Some people

believe that ballet is not for everybody, but the Atlanta Ballet is going

out of its way to prove that this simply is not true. The 2003-04 season

has recently been announced and it appears to offer something for everyone

in the family.

The season

kicks off Oct. 30 with "A Thousand and One Nights," which tells

the story of an angry sultan who is soothed by numerous tales told by

Scheherazade. These stories include the popular tales of Aladdin, Sinbad

and Ali Baba. The show, choreographed by Eldar Aliev and choreographed

After "A

Thousand and One Nights," Atlanta Ballet will present the holiday

classic, "The Nutcracker," from Nov. 29-Dec. 29. The Atlanta

Ballet Orchestra will perform the beloved music by Peter Illich Tchaikovsky,

while the members of the ballet will perform artistic director and CEO

of the Atlanta Ballet, John McFall's choreography. The story tells of

a girl's magical adventure one Christmas Eve and features more than 200

of Atlanta's youngest dancers. The Atlanta Ballet has been performing

this show for close to 40 years.

On Dec. 26,

they will perform another holiday tradition, "The Nutty Nutcracker,"

which spoofs "The Nutcracker." Last year's show featured Shaggy

and Scooby Doo as well as Austin Powers. The Atlanta Ballet has rated

the show PG-13.

Atlanta Ballet

will kick off the new year with a perfect Valentine's day gift, "Romeo

and Juliet." The show, which runs Feb. 12-21, will feature the music

of Sergei Prokofiev and choreography by Michael Pink, who brought "Dracula"

to Atlanta. The story, penned by Shakespeare, deals with two star-crossed

lovers who unite despite the feud between their two families.

Playing Feb.

21-22 is "Not Afraid of the Dark," a one-hour family show about

a child and his nighttime rituals of bath time and bed time. Joe Scruggs

came up with the concept and the music, while Stephen Mills choreographed

the show. "Not Afraid of the Dark," will feature glow in the

dark bubbles in an oversize bathtub, special lighting effects, life-size

puppets and dancing stickmen.

The season

will conclude March 25-28 with one of the most popular programs in Atlanta

Ballet history, "Shed Your Skin: The Indigo Girls Project."

The Indigo Girls will team up with the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra while

the Atlanta Ballet dances to Margo Sappington's choreography. The show

originally ran in 2001 for one weekend only and was a smash with critics

and audiences alike.

There are a

number of ticket packages available as well as tickets for individual

shows. Phone 404-892-3303 or visit www.atlanataballet.com for more information.

Back

to the Top of the Page