Arts & Entertainment

Eastern Connecticut Ballet Presents the World Premiere of 'Ballerina Swan'

Ballerinas dream of becoming "The Swan" but the new performance this weekend at the Garde Arts Center offers a twist in the tale.

By Jayne Keedle

Most ballerinas dream of being the swan but, as Eastern Connecticut Ballet's (ECB)'s choreographer notes, the world premiere of "Ballerina Swan," is the story of a swan who dreams of being a ballerina.

If you're familiar with Swan Lake—and even if you know nothing about ballet, you've at least heard of this one—then you probably know the story. But the East Lyme-based ballet company's upcoming production of Ballerina Swan is twist in the tale. 

The ballet is based on a children's book written by Allegra Kent, who knows ECB's artistic director Gloria Govrin from their days dancing together at New York City Ballet. Kent's book, about a swan who has her eye on a ballet school and is inspired to want to dance, really resonated with Govrin. 

"I tried to follow the story as closely as I could," said Govrin. "When I read the book, I saw a ballet immediately." 

Govrin said that her teacher, George Balanchine, always said that if you need notes in the book to tell the story then "you haven't done your job." Govrin, however, has done her job as a choreographer so well that no explanation is required. 

This charming children's story translates completely in a dance that shows how a swan can become a dancer, and it seques easily into a second act with variations of the classic "Swan Lake." 

"I had to tailor the music to the ballet," said Govrin "It took me a whole summer to find the right music for the score. Once I had the music, it was easy." 

In many ways, Govrin's relationship with author and fellow dancer Allegra is reflected in the story, which shows how influential and inspiring a teacher can be. 

"When I was a kid, she was my idol. I wanted to be her," said Govrin. 

The ballet, which is a world premiere, is a wonderful step forward for the East Lyme company that is best known for its annual performance of The Nutcracker. 

"We do not want to be just 'The Nutcracker School,' said company president Lisa Reardon. "We want our dancers to have a repertoire."

As for the author, Reardon said she's "thrilled to have her book being brought to life. She's so excited, she's coming to the show ad bringing her family."

You can do the same yourself this weekend. Eastern Connecticut Ballet will perform "The Ballerina Swan" to the music of Tchaikovsky at the Garde Arts
Center in New London on May 19. Find out more online at http://www.easternctballet.com/news.html


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