Milwaukee Ballet Sparkles in Cinderella – Final Show of The Season

MILWAUKEE – May 11, 2015 – Milwaukee Ballet concludes its Season of Classics with Artistic Director Michael Pink’s enchanting interpretation of the family-favorite, Cinderella, May 14-17. This timeless rags-to-riches fairy tale has kept children dreaming of fairy godmothers, pumpkin carriages and true love for generations.  Milwaukee Ballet’s Cinderella keeps all the magic of this classic story – and brings it to life with a cast of 50 dancers, including 20 children from Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy.

“Cinderella is the perfect finale for our season,” said Milwaukee Ballet Artistic Director Michael Pink. “It’s a story everyone knows and loves, which makes it an excellent show for both existing and new patrons. Ballet fans will cherish the opportunity to see the classical choreography, the elegant costumes and our Company dancers performing at the height of their training.”

Milwaukee Ballet’s Cinderella Celebrations will take place before the matinees on Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17 at noon. These family-friendly fundraisers will feature a Fairy Godmother, prince/princess crown decorating, face painting, a princess raffle, and photo opportunities with dancers. Admission is $20 per child (no charge for adults). Limit 50 children. Register for this fundraising event by contacting Special Events Manager Brooklynn Lawrence at 414-902-2114. Performance tickets sold separately.

Cinderella runs May 14-17, 2015 at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, 929 N. Water Street, Milwaukee. The matinee on Sunday, May 17 is sold out. Balcony seating has been added to this performance to accommodate overflow seating. Tickets to the performance range from $32-$101. Buy online at milwaukeeballet.org or call (414) 902-2103. Cinderella is presented by Nancy and Stephen Einhorn.

Leading Artist Ryan Martin to Retire
After nearly a decade of dancing with Milwaukee Ballet, Leading Artist Ryan Martin will retire after the final performance of Cinderella on May 17. Martin has been featured in Michael Pink’s most popular works, including Dracula, Romeo & Juliet, Swan Lake, Cinderella, and the world premieres of Peter Pan and Mirror Mirror. Prior to joining Milwaukee Ballet, Martin enjoyed dancing with BalletMet Columbus, Charleston Ballet Theater, Tulsa Ballet, Dresdner Ballet and Leonid Jakobson’s Choreographic Miniatures, as well as performing as a guest artist in Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Portugal, Japan and several cities in the United States. Martin will be dancing as a Stepsister for his finale performance.

Artistic Director Michael Pink noted, “We are all grateful to Ryan for sharing his talent and artistry with us. He brought a level of technical discipline that has served as a benchmark for future generations. We wish him every success in the next chapter of his life and career.”

Annia Hidalgo Promoted to Leading Artist For Cinderella
Vibrant dancer Annia Hidalgo (Cuba) was recently promoted to leading artist for her star turn as the title character in Cinderella.  Since joining Milwaukee Ballet in 2011, she has performed as Mimi in Michael Pink’s world premiere of La Bohème, Odile in Swan Lake and the title character in Giselle.

Artistic Director Michael Pink shared, “Annia has a special and rare ability to completely captivate an audience. She performs with passion and incredible technique, and she embodies all of the characteristics you would want in a leading artist.”

About Milwaukee Ballet

Milwaukee Ballet celebrates 45 years of dance this season, presented through the generosity of Donna and Donald Baumgartner.  Founded in 1970, Milwaukee Ballet strives to inspire its audiences to think within and beyond traditional ballet through the presentation of quality performances and the implementation of educational opportunities. Milwaukee Ballet is recognized among the top companies in the nation. Milwaukee Ballet presents more than 30 performances to more than 40,000 people each year. Its resident company includes 24 professional dancers along with 20 trainees in the Nancy Einhorn Milwaukee Ballet II Program. Milwaukee Ballet is one of the few dance companies in the country to maintain its own orchestra.

Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy, the official school of the Ballet, has an enrollment of more than 600 students at three locations throughout Southeastern Wisconsin, and is the only professional dance school in the Midwest accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance.

Milwaukee Ballet’s Community Outreach programs are offered year-round through hands-on workshops, original children’s productions and a student matinee series serving over 30,000 people each year.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.