A&A Ballet (A&A), under the artistic direction of Alexei Kremnev and Anna Reznik, announced a new Family Dance Series at the Athenaeum Theater, premiering May 14, 2022, at 3 PM. Fresh from a successful Chicago Youth American Grand Prix competition, the company will debut their take on the internationally acclaimed “Carnival of the Animals” and a world premiere of “The Firebird,” featuring brand-new choreography by Kremnev and sand art animation by Anastasia Antropova. Additional choreography for “The Firebird” will be done by Braeden Barnes. Designed to be enjoyed by the entire family, the selections are recommended for ages three and above.
“We are very excited to renew the Family Dance Theater Series on a new level,” said Kremnev. “As founding Artistic Directors of the Joffrey Academy and the Joffrey Studio Company, we started the Children’s Ballet Theater program at the Joffrey in 2010 by presenting new innovative family-oriented works that excite a new generation of young audiences. Our demanding XXI Century requires us to experiment with new visual forms and to be creative and daring. A&A has a wonderful record of producing new works, so we are happy to share this program with the Chicago audiences.”
Described as “equal parts comedic and captivating with a forceful wit and choreography bursting with nuanced athleticism” by The Huffington Post, Carnival of the Animals showcases Kremnev’s talent as an electric storyteller. Breathing new life into a beloved masterpiece, Kremnev’s adaptation serves as a playful reminder to ballet enthusiasts, while introducing new audiences to the art form itself. The costumes, created by Laura Skarich and Ballet Rosa, have been designed specifically for each dancer featuring original art digitally printed onto the fabric.
The world premiere of “Firebird” is Kremnev’s 21st ballet, and his first to feature sand art designed by artist Anastasia Antropova. Projected onto the stage throughout the performance, the sand art combines art, music, and dance by drawing in the sand to create moving effects, enhancing the storytelling of the performers. Serving as an accessible introduction to the work of Stravinsky, “Firebird” is a celebration of the power of music and ballet.
Tickets for the Family Dance Series featuring “Carnival of the Animals” and “Firebird” are on sale now and can be purchased HERE.
About A&A Ballet
A&A Ballet is one of the fastest-growing performing arts and educational organizations in Chicago and has quickly gained an impressive national and international reputation. A&A Ballet is devoted to training in strong, versatile dance techniques, as well as the development of personality, independence, and artistry. They are led by internationally acclaimed artists and former Founding Artistic Directors of the Joffrey Academy, Anna Reznik and Alexei Kremnev. A&A offers a wide variety of classes, professional performance opportunities, international tours, private instruction, choreography, and training for dancers ranging from age 3 to adult. Since 2016, A&A students have secured more than 150 full scholarships and a dozen apprentice and studio company positions with powerhouses including American Ballet Theater, Houston Ballet, Princess Grace Academy of Monaco, Bolshoi Ballet, Colorado Ballet, BalletMet, and Sarasota Ballet.
