Plainsboro-based Princeton Youth Ballet performs “The Snow Queen” at Princeton High School on Saturday and Sunday, December 12 and 13, at 4 p.m. The ballet, based on Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale “Snedronningen,” also inspired Disney’s “Frozen. “Ours is a more accurate telling of the original story,” says artistic director and choreographer Risa Kaplowitz, “but the theme of love’s ability to triumph over evil is pervasive in both.”
“PYB’s production of ‘The Snow Queen’ has quickly become a holiday tradition for many families,” says Catherine Piontek, president of the PYB board of trustees. “It’s the perfect introduction to classical ballet, with a compelling story, gorgeous costumes, and of course beautiful dancers. Children absolutely fall in love with this show — and seeing their mesmerized faces is enormously gratifying for us all.”
Max Azaro, a Princeton Dance and Theater alumnus, received a full scholarship to study at the American Ballet Theatre JKO School. Other dancers from West Windsor and Plainsboro include Isabella Araya, Annabel Azaro, Laure Baden, Lucas Baden, Selin Bayrakli, Talia Bayrakli, Nithya Borra, Zoe Chang, Antonia Comaniciu, Jai Garg, Madison Lai, Sara Liu, Nuala Murphy, and Manya Zhu. The production director, Maura Ryan, is a resident of Plainsboro.
The performance features state-of-the-art projections created by David Haneman, a former resident of Plainsboro. The scenes transport the audience to another world — from a small Scandinavian village during Christmas time, to a midnight forest, to an ice castle in the mountains. “Projection is a wonderful tool to help tell a story that has many scenes,” says Kaplowitz.
Jillian Davis reprises the title role. A current member of the Complexions Contemporary Ballet Company, she graduated from Princeton Dance and Theater Studio and Princeton Youth Ballet (then DanceVision). “Jillian was made for this role,” says Kaplowitz. “At more than six feet tall, she is a fierce and stunning dancer.”
There are a limited number of VIP tickets for the Sunday performance which include admission to a special tea with treats, a gift, and a visit from the Snow Queen herself, along with other principal cast members. PYB also offers discounts to Girl Scouts, as well as a dancer badge workshop for Brownies. All Scouts receive a goody bag with a custom PYB fun patch. E-mail info@princetonyouthballet.org for details.
“One of our missions at Princeton Youth Ballet is to give talented and well-trained young dancers the chance to perform principal roles in professional-quality performances,” says Kaplowitz, a resident of West Windsor. “Another is to encourage a love and appreciation for classical ballet through inspired storytelling, magical productions, and uncompromising artistry.”
The Snow Queen, Princeton Youth Ballet, Princeton High School Performing Arts Center, 151 Moore Street, Princeton. Saturday, December 12; and Sunday, December 13, 4 p.m. $20. 800-838-3006. www.princetonyouthballet.org.
