Paquita

Paris Opera Ballet

Joseph Masilier’s Paquita enchanted Théophile Gautier when it was first performed at the Paris Opera in 1846. Carlotta Grisi was one of its principal performers and Marius Petipa took the ballet abroad as far as Russia where, in 1882, he created a new version. Little by little, Paquita disappeared from the Opera stage; then, in 2001, it was enthusiastically revived by Pierre Lacotte. Intrigue, abduction and family secrets provide pace and suspense in this exciting work combining character dances with pantomime in a display of technical virtuosity. Sumptuous sets and costumes contribute to this colourful production set in picturesque 19^th century Spain.

Paris Opera Ballet
Founded in 1669, the Paris Opera Ballet is the world’s oldest and perhaps finest classical ballet company. The average age of the dancers is 25, which also makes it one of the world’s youngest companies. The repertoire of the Paris Opera Ballet is vast, ranging from the great Romantic and Classical ballets to contemporary creations. Currently composed of 154 dancers, including 18 leading dancers and 14 principal dancers, the company presents approximately 18 performances per season in Paris, the French regions and abroad. In 1995, Brigitte Lefèvre was named Director of Dance of the Paris Opera Ballet. Since then, she has set out to build a living repertoire that not only combines elements of the past and present, but provides a window on the future. While emphasizing the importance of tradition and of preserving the great classical ballets—and in particular the productions of Rudolf Nuryev—she regularly includes in the Paris Opera season works that have left their mark on the 20th century, and invites contemporary choreographers to revive ballets or create new ones.

For tickets and information: www.laplacedesarts.com  514-842-2112 or 1-866-842-2112
Presented by Les Grands Ballets Canadiens

Les Grands Ballets Pre-Show Talks
Beginning an hour before each performance, spectators are invited to pre-show talks. These exciting half-hour talks are a rare opportunity to gain insight on the work presented.  Each pre-show talk will be hosted by journalist Shelley Pomerance who will share anecdotes on the production’s creative process, inspiration, music and costumes.
Purchase a ticket at the cost of 5$ at Place des Arts ticket office counter. Admission is free for Les Grands Ballets subscribers. Please note that for individual ticket holders, both the performance ticket and the pre-show talk ticket will be required at the entrance.

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Photo : Elena Bauer / Paris Opera Ballet
Editing: Damian Siqueiros / ZetaProductions.com