From the moment the first note is played by the orchestra and the curtain rises the Colorado Ballet MasterWorks is everything you hoped for and much more than you could ever imagine.

Ballet MasterWorks begins with Serenade. Dancers are dressed in blue with a blue background and Tchaikovsky’s “Serenade for Strings in C” plays. Like a sweeping gaze the dancers move in unison with grace, truly magnificent. Unveiled and seemingly deep in thought there is magic that the dancers are able to capture and share with the audience. The beautiful journey is like watching an orchid bloom, the dancers elegantly mingle, crossing paths that create a labyrinthine before our eyes.

Petite Mort is contemporary dance blended exquisitely with ballet. This is the first time that Colorado Ballet has presented choreographer Jiří Kylián’s ballet. With the music of Wolfgang Amedeus Mozart, Petite Mort is heart-stirring. Kylián has stated “that in the moment of ecstasy or pleasure, people are reminded of the fact that life is short and death is relatively close.” Tastefully seductive, this performance was quite simply breath-taking.

Firebird, “a magical bird with glowing feathers who helps a prince rescue a beautiful maiden from an evil sorcerer.” Choreographed by Yuri Possokhov, this ballet is based on a Russian folklore tale. From the dramatic tone of the opening music by Igor Stravinsky, the audience is lured into the magical realm of the evil sorcerer. Maria Mosina’s performance as the Firebird for the opening production was spectacular. The way she moved truly led you to believe she was indeed the Firebird. Stepping away from the classical costumes to a modern style, the production was mesmerizing.

Ballet MasterWorks is presented every two years and as Colorado Ballet Artistic Director Gil Boggs states “It is so important that we present a collection of master works every two years because it challenges our dancers and showcases their artistry and elegance.  There is a reason why Ballet MasterWorks is the dancers’ favorite production of the year artistically.  Where else can you see Firebird, Serenade and Petite Mort in one production with powerful live music?  Ballet MasterWorks also shows the caliber of dancing that audiences can see in Denver; proving that you do not need to go to New York or San Francisco to see ballet of this quality.”

The Colorado Ballet continues to break new ground with each and every performance and this years Ballet MasterWorks is magnificent. The level of artistry is unparalleled. The tremendous talent that each dancer brings to the stage shows the dedication they have for their craft. The sets are uncomplicated yet powerful. The complexity of each story builds your anticipation for the next. “Stunning visuals,” stated Janis Stephenson a ballet patron.

With limited performances, Ballet MasterWorks is not to be missed. Purchase your evening of ballet adventure by visiting tickets.coloradoballet.org 

Performance dates and times:
Friday, February 17, 2017 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 18, 2017 at 2 p.m.
Saturday, February 18, 2017 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, February 19, 2017 at 2 p.m.
Friday, February 24, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. – Best availability
Saturday, February 25, 2017 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, February 26, 2017 at 2 p.m.