Spring Performances Planned By Classical Ballet Studio

Jennifer Johnston, artistic director of Newtown Centre of Classical Ballet, will present her annual “Spring Performance” at the Reed Intermediate School cafetorium on Friday, June 23, at 7 pm, and Saturday, June 24, at 2 pm.

Newtown Centre of Classical Ballet Students will perform The Four Seasons, an adaptation of Ms Johnston’s mentor, Marsha Ismailoff Mark’s version with the original finale which was choreographed and  dedicated to Mrs Mark in 1979 by her mentor, George Volodine.

Four Seasons is the story of Janus who presents Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall in all of its splendor to the music of Verdi from the opera I Vespri Siciliani. Ms Johnston is dedicating this ballet in honor of the heritage and tradition in which she learned many years ago by her mentor, Mrs Mark, who taught classical ballet for over 30 years in Newtown. 

Ms Johnston will also present Italian Symphony in A, which she has choreographed for her Repertoire Class students and three variations in tribute of  Shamil Yagudin, principal coach and ballet master for the Bolshoi Ballet, who graduated from the Moscow Choreographic Institute and passed away last May. Mr Yagudin held the prestigious title of  People’s Artist of the Russian  Federation and had been a master teacher for NCCB students since Ms Johnston opened her studio in 2001.

The official ballet company of NCCB, Malenkee Ballet Repertoire Company, will also be performing their own choreographed variations with their choice of music and costumes.

Anyone wishing more information in regards to the performance, which is free of admission, can contact Ms Johnston at 426-9299.