Why blend in, when you can stand out?
Being different isn’t easy, and it’s hard to fit in when you always stand out! Hans Christian Andersen’s familiar fairytale comes to life through a high-definition movie, starring Ballet Austin’s second company, Ballet Austin II, performing choreography by award-winning dance maker Jimmy Orrante.
This whimsical work explores the joy to be found when you celebrate someone’s “inner swan” and is the perfect “starter ballet” for children ages 3-10.
Your Digital Program Guide for this digital presentation features the 50-minute THE UGLY DUCKLING movie and a collection of engaging companion materials, including the story of The Ugly Duckling, downloadable coloring pages, snack recipes themed for the show, instructional videos to help you dance like the performers (or move like a duck), and a thoughtful video conversation between featured artists about the importance of inclusion.
You can conveniently access all multi-media content online from the comfort of your home or wherever you have Internet access. Enjoy this digital presentation over a three-day weekend, on-demand and as often as you like, during your viewing window.
Choreography: Jimmy Orrante
Music: Various Artists
BA LIVE! Petite Party
THE UGLY DUCKLING
*Virtual Event*
Join Ballet Austin’s Young Children’s Division as we dive into the pond to celebrate the story of The Ugly Duckling. Together we’ll swim through the shallows and meet fascinating characters that teach us the value of being our own unique selves. Enjoy storytime with a favorite character and learn choreography from the show. Wear your Halloween costume for the dance party, and a special guest will wade in as well. We can’t wait to party in the pond with you!
Running Time: 30 minutes
Tickets: $10 per child with digital viewing pass purchase to THE UGLY DUCKLING Digital Presentation.
Suggested for children ages 3-6 (4 p.m.) and 7-10 (3:15 p.m.).
Please check the dates and times for age groups.
Space is limited.
Images by Anne Marie Bloodgood
Meet the Artists
JIMMY ORRANTE – Choreographer
Jimmy Orrante began his dance training at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts under Don Hewitt, studying later at the North Carolina School of the Arts. After 22 years as a professional dancer, the Los Angeles native ultimately retired from BalletMet. During his tenure there, he choreographed more than 15 premieres for the company, including his highly successful full-length ballet, The Great Gatsby, which was recently reprised in BalletMet’s 2014–2015 season.
In 2005, Orrante received the 2005 inaugural Princess Grace Choreographic Fellowship. In spring 2011, he was honored with the National Choreographic Recognition Award for Regional Dance America and was selected in the fall of that year as Choreographer In Residence at Denison University. He received the Special Project Grant from the Princess Grace Foundation, as well as a grant from the National Endowment of the Arts to collaborate with the Ohio State University’s Center for Computer Art and Design and multimedia composer Sean Beeson. The grant’s collaboration resulted in the Illuminated Tapestry, which premiered in April 2012 and utilized the Xbox Kinect’s motion-capture technology.
In March 2014, Orrante created Ya Me Fue as one of three finalists in Ballet Austin’s NEW AMERICAN TALENT / DANCE choreographic competition and later created Balanced on Motion Dance Theatre in Ashville, N.C.
Recently, Orrante was awarded his third grant from the Princess Grace Foundation, the Choreography Mentorship Co-Commission award, as well as choreographing Threads of Color as part of Ballet Austin’s 2016 DIRECTOR’S CHOICE production.