Fabulous Firebird Fashion

Misty Copleland, who will star in the new American Ballet Theatre production of Firebird choreographed by Alexei Ratmansky, is shown here in some last minute costume adjustments. Galina Solovyeva is the designer. The role will be danced by Natalia Osipova on Thursday, March 29 and Saturday, March 31 at 7:30 p.m. , by Copland on Friday, March 30 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 1 at 2 p.m., and by Isabella Boylston on Saturday, March 31 at 2 p.m. ABT’s program will include Ratmansky’s Firebird, Duets by Merce Cunningham and Thirteen Diversions by Christopher Wheeldon.

Photo by Marcia Wilson Wide Vision Photography

ABT Dancer Comes Home to OC

Orange County native Jamie Kopit will return home to dance with American Ballet Theatre during the Company’s engagement at Segerstrom Center March 29 – April 1, which will include the world premiere of Alexei Ratmansky’s Firebird. Before joining ABT’s corps de ballet, Jamie studied at Southland Ballet Academy and also earned scholarships to study with San Francisco Ballet and the Royal Ballet School. To read more about Jamie’s homecoming, click here for her interview with Pointe magazine And in the video above go behind-the-scenes with Jamie during rehearsals for Firebird at ABT in New York City.

A Dizzying Event for Traces Fans

A special perk for Center donors are Behind the Scenes events, where donors have the opportunity to meet the stars and artists performing at the Center. Nearly 100 donors had ringside seats in Founders Hall when Traces producer Tom Gabbard and artist Bradley Henderson gave a fascinating and very physical look at the acrobatic show. (Traces was performed at Segerstrom Center February 28 – March 4.) Goddard told the story of Traces and 7 Fingers, the production company that created this multi-disciplinary approach of fusing classic acrobatics with street forms such as skateboard, basketball and parcours, along with a great musical score and fascinating visual effects. Bradley Henderson, who hails from San Francisco, trained at the S.F. Circus Center and National Circus School and starred in the original Traces cast, demonstrated his dizzying skill on the giant wheel. So - anyone for running off to the circus???

Photo above: Traces artist Bradley Henderson

Photo below: Traces producer Tom Gabbard

Photo below: David Johnson and Mary Phillipp

Photo below: Nancy Field and Cindy Van Alstine