Evergreen City Ballet (ECB) has announced highlights for 2017 that include the expansion of programs and curriculum, new performing opportunities, and this season’s premiere of Cinderella at the Meydenbauer Center on March 17, 18 and 19.
ECB Artistic Director Gillmer Duran and ECB Executive Director Julie Tobiason have developed a clear vision for 2017 that builds upon the school’s twenty-two-year legacy in the South King County and Eastside communities. Mr. Duran is implementing a curriculum that will expand its current syllabus. Citing the increasing student demand, Mr. Duran designed his curriculum to inspire students to achieve their personal goals while undergoing the rigorous training that is expected of aspiring professionals.
Mr. Duran stated, “We will increase student commitment by offering more required classes, and by expanding the diversity of our classes in general. As a result, our students will be stronger and well-versed enough to take on the technical and artistic challenges needed to expand our seasons going forward.”
ECB is planning to expand future seasons to add extended performing opportunities to their students. ECB will expand enrollment through stronger community outreach at local events, by offering class and ticket discounts, by hosting open rehearsals, and by offering pay-what-you-will events.
Other developments include greater involvement in the community. ECB Executive Director Julie Tobiason noted the expansion of Dance ALIVE!, which is ECB’s signature outreach program. Dance ALIVE! is presenting in seven public schools and working in each school for one-to-two week-long workshops. Dance ALIVE! is supported through the Lucky 7 Foundation, and individual donors. Ms. Tobiason said, “Future plans to raise local funds and work with local PTSA groups will enable ECB to reach more children through an inspired dance education. We’re really excited to work with the community to have these expanded programs in place by the 2017/2018 season!”
Upcoming performances and events:
Remaining productions of the 2016/2017 season include the world premiere of Gillmer Duran’s Cinderella, and a Season Finale which will show-case ECB’s talented students.
ECB’s newest interpretation of Cinderella will delight audiences of all ages! With innovative choreography by Artistic Director Gillmer Duran and using the traditional Sergei Prokofiev score, characters will breathe life and imagination into the story and take you on a magical journey with gnomes, forest animals, squash blossoms, fairies and more! Will Cinderella find her true love with the help of the Fairy Godmother or will her nasty step-sisters stand in the way?
Come see the brilliant story-telling by Evergreen City Ballet dancers that is sure to enchant every young prince and princess. Don’t miss Cinderella!
Evergreen City Ballet’s Cinderella will be performed as a full-length ballet as well as a one-hour production. We are proud to continue providing ballets for all ages as a part of our Children’s Series.
March 17, 18 & 19, 2017
The Theatre at Meydenbauer Center
11100 NE 6th St.
Bellevue, WA 98004
Tickets: http://www.etix.com/ticket/v/8526/theatre-at-meydenbauer
ECB is also hosting a Glass Slipper Gala auction event for adults and Cinderella’s Royal Ball for the little prince and princesses from 5-7pm on Saturday March 18, at Neiman Marcus’s restaurant Mariposa.
Tickets: http://evergreencityballet.org/get-involved/glassslippergala/
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Julie Tobiason
Julie Tobiason has been a guest teacher, dancer, choreographer, and dance educator at various ballet schools and companies throughout the U.S. Julie Tobiason joined Pacific Northwest Ballet in 1986, was promoted to Principal Dancer in 1992 under the direction of Francia Russell and Kent Stowell. She has danced many varied roles, which include Juliet, Swanhilda, Cinderella, Hermia, Agon and Jardi Tancat. Ms. Tobiason has performed pieces by Fredrick Ashton, George Balanchine, Kent Stowell, Nacho Duato, Val Caniparoli, Mark Dendy, Donald Byrd, William Forsythe, Maureen Whiting, Paul Taylor and Lynne Taylor-Corbet.