2023/24 Performances
A NEW ENGLAND NUTCRACKER
DECEMBER 9, 2023 at 1PM & 4PM | KEITH MIDDLE SCHOOL AUDITORIUM, NEW BEDFORD
Journey back to the 1850s, as this favorite holiday story is re-imagined through New Bedford's historic whaling era, and prepare for the "City That Lit the World" to light up your holiday season. Set to Tchaikovsky's beloved score, the performance follows young Mary through a night of adventure. The performance is filled with colorful and playful characters from around the globe, including those unique to the New England region. The audience is entertained by Chinese, Spanish, French, and Russian dancers as well as whaling sailors and Native Americans.
This simple version with narration is engaging for children of all ages, and the hour-long performance is perfect for anyone juggling the many events that fill the holiday season.
SPRING PERFORMANCE: HANSEL AND GRETEL
Each March, the New Bedford Youth Ballet brings a children’s ballet to local elementary schools, often including a ballet lecture demonstration. Multiple performances at various schools span over two weeks, and public performances are also held for families and members of the community to enjoy.
This year, New Bedford Ballet is collaborating with Seaglass Theater Company to present the classic tale of Hansel and Gretel. In addition to ballet, audiences will be introduced to the often-overlooked art of opera. As in the past, the performance will be a narrated ballet, with the addition of English lyrics sung by Seaglass Theater’s professional singers.
Hansel and Gretel is a German fairytale, collected by The Brothers Grimm and published in 1812. In 1892, Engelbert Humperdinck composed the Hansel and Gretel opera which was first performed in 1893. New Bedford Youth Ballet’s and Seaglass Theater Company’s version will be a blending of opera, ballet, and storytelling. Come with Hansel and Gretel as they travel through the woods, are watched over by the Sandman and Dew Fairy, eventually overcome the evil Witch, and are reunited with their mother.
MARCH 10, 2024 at 2PM & 4PM | FAIRHAVEN TOWN HALL AUDITORIUM
JUNE PERFORMANCE: THE SECRET GARDEN
JUNE 15, 2024 at 2PM & 8PM | NEW BEDFORD HIGH SCHOOL BRONSPIEGEL AUDITORIUM
In June, New Bedford Ballet will present its 38th annual full-length ballet, The Secret Garden, based on the 1911 classic children’s novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett. The Secret Garden is a touching, family friendly ballet, created by New Bedford Ballet’s artistic director, Rebecca Waskiel-Marchesseault.
The ballet tells the story of a young girl who is sent to live with her uncle after her parents pass away from cholera. Mary is a sullen girl, and the realization that she is unwanted by her uncle adds to her displeasure of life. However, the people around Mary slowly break through Mary’s defenses. But it’s the walled off garden that has been locked away that ignites Mary’s interest in life. The garden, lifeless from years of neglect, will literally come to life in this production, with animals and flowers danced by New Bedford Ballet students, ages five to eighteen.
Bringing this classical piece of children’s literature to the stage as a ballet with creative choreography and colorful sets and costumes will capture the hearts of audience members.
Two performances of The Secret Garden will be held at New Bedford High School, Bronspiegel Auditorium, 230 Hathaway Boulevard, New Bedford, MA.
SUMMER PERFORMANCE
AUGUST 2 & 3, 2024 | NEW BEDFORD BALLET COMMUNITY THEATER
New Bedford Ballet culminates its summer season with performances featuring creative exploration of dance styles, including original contemporary choreography by New Bedford Ballet advanced students.
“The choreography, costumes, and sets, along with the engaging and inspiring use of students of all ages, were so delightful. It was wonderful to see a culmination event that embraced the beauty of ballet and the commitment of so many people, dancers and families alike, who reflected the impact you have on dance lovers.”
— Eve Rounds, Miami City and Festival Ballet Providence Board Member & Boston Ballet Trustee Emerita
New Bedford Ballet’s Snow Queen performance at The Zeiterion Performing Arts Center, June 2023
New Bedford Ballet Swan Lake June 2022 performance at Zeiterion Performing Arts Center