NEW YORK, NY — “America’s Most Original Company”, Ajkun Ballet Theatre, offers up a diverse performance season of trending world ballets with something for everyone. Whether seeking a traditional theater setting or an opportunity to watch our dancers in the intimate setting of our Manhattan studios, AjkunBT’s 2016 Season will not disappoint. The remarkable Artists of Ajkun Ballet Theatre, will be bringing beloved classics and innovative new works to the stage this Season, both here in New York City and across the Globe.
We open the Season with our Museum Series, a performance honoring American History and Women’s History Month, followed by Chiara Ajkun’s acclaimed, Carmen. Set to Bizet’s stirring music, blazed by the dramatic voice of “La Divina” Maria Callas, and groundbreaking in its realism – Chiara Ajkun’s choreography portrays Carmen as a leader of change for women’s free choices. Set apart by her taunting beauty, Carmen lays eyes on Don Josè. Explosive sparks follow, and the ultimate romance of love and passion keeps the audience on the edge of their seats
The World Premiere of Co-Artistic Director Leonard Ajkun’s ballet Notre Dame opens in Manhattan and sets the Company off to Europe. His newest ballet is based on the novel The Hunchback of Notre Dame and follows Esmeralda and Quasimodo as their tragedy unfolds by the renowned cathedral of Notre Dame. Both Carmen and Notre Dame will grace stages throughout the summer at the National Opera House of Albania, on the beaches of Italy and, last, on tour throughout New York State in July and August, and Australia in September.
Giselle, with Brittany Larrimer in the title role is restaged by Chiara and Leonard Ajkun after Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot to the score of Adolphe Adam. The supernatural touch of the Wilis, the splendid sophistication of Albrecht and the virtuoso melancholy of Giselle afford an intoxicating immersion into the romantic era as the outstanding dancers of Ajkun Ballet Theatre bring this quintessential romantic ballet to life.
Dracula, performed in October, will bring Chiara Ajkun’s interpretation of the infamous novel to life in this much anticipated World Premiere where truths, the legend, the myths, and the magic of Count Dracula will be revealed.
Going all traditional, will be our November and December productions of The Nutcracker. Theater productions and our Face to Face Series performances afford children the priceless opportunity to meet the Sugar Plum Fairy and take photographs with all the dancers from the Kingdom of Sweets following the performance.
Ringing in the New Year in January 2017 is Ajkun Ballet Theatre‘s celebration of dance, the New York Winter Festival, a destination for all dance lovers culminating in a showcase of selected choreography by William D. Blanken.