Ballet and the Beasts: Get a whole new view of dancing at the zoo
Montgomery Ballet is ready to change your perspective on dancing outside with the animals for Friday’s free production of Ballet and the Beasts at the Montgomery Zoo.
"It's going to be a really cool event, like no other Ballet and the Beasts has been," said Danny Mitsios, Montgomery Ballet’s artistic and executive director.
Zoo gates open at 6 p.m., and performances begin at 6:30 p.m.
The city’s professional dance company will present its treasured annual production “Carnival of the Animals," choreographed by Mitsios. It’s set to the music of Camile Saint-Saens.
After a two year break, “Animals of Classical Ballet” is back with a few updates. It now includes "Puss In Boots."
Another piece from Montgomery Ballet’s repertoire is new to the zoo: “Head Full of Dreams,” choreographed by Mitsios and performed to the music of Coldplay.
Ballet and the Beasts is also a chance to see some of the area’s brightest college dancers. Mitsios said Alabama State University's dance department will present two pieces, and Troy University's dance department will have three. This marks a return to the event for Troy.
“For the last two seasons, (Troy’s) schedules didn’t match up with the dates of Ballet and the Beasts,” Mitsios said.
Another first for Ballet and the Beasts this year is all about the music. Montgomery Symphony Orchestra’s quartet will perform .
“The symphony coming on board was an awesome surprise,” Mitsios said. “I’m super excited about that.”
New views for audiences
Even if you’ve been to one — or several — of the annual Ballet and the Beast performances before, you’ve never seen it like it's being presented on Friday.
“I never liked how the stage was on the north end of that field, and the bleachers are so far away,” Mitsios said.
Thanks to some inspired advice, they’re moving the stage to the field’s west side.
“That’ll put the bleachers significantly closer to the stage,” Mitsios said.
It will also change the grassy area where many watch from lawn chairs and blankets. Instead of a narrow, deep area, it’ll be wide.
"I'm super excited about the stage change," Mitsios said. "I feel like it's going to give people more of a theater feel."
VIP option
While general admission to watch from the bleachers and grass is free, guests have the option to upgrade. On the side, VIP seating will be available for $25.
“The show is free. The VIP area is completely optional,” Mitsios said. “We’re doing it because we’ve had a lot of people ask for it.”
Along with a comfortable chair close to the stage, VIP guests get a beverage and will have a small table for convenience.
If you wish to purchase VIP seating, visit montgomeryballet.org or call 334-409-0522 or 334-271-3687.
Things to know before coming to Ballet and the Beasts
The Montgomery Zoo is at 2301 Coliseum Parkway
On Friday, gates to the zoo open at 6 p.m.
This event is suitable for all ages.
Admission is free.
Donations of non-perishable and canned food items will be accepted for the Heart of Alabama Food Bank, formerly known as the Montgomery Area Food Bank.
All animals from zoo exhibits will be in their night quarters during the event.
The zoo’s education department will have live animal presentations before the dance programs begin.
Guests can bring lawn chairs, blankets and coolers.
Some concessions will be for sale.
Dance performances begin at 6:30 p.m.
Montgomery Advertiser reporter Shannon Heupel covers things to do in the River Region. Contact him at sheupel@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Ballet and the Beasts: Get a whole new view of dancing at the zoo
