Grand Rapids Ballet School’s Junior Company to Present “Aladdin” After Canceling Performance in March 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jessica Meldrum
March 1, 2022

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., March 1, 2022 — Grand Rapids Ballet School’s (GRBS) Junior Company is rekindling the familiar tale of “Aladdin,” as a group of talented young dancers share the story of an impoverished boy, living in Agrabah, who falls in love with the beautiful Princess Jasmine. This exciting adventure features a thrilling quest, with mysterious characters along the way including a fierce dragon, a magic genie, and a powerful sorcerer.

“The students have been working extremely hard the past three months helping me recreate this ballet and they are thrilled to be given this second chance to perform it,” said GRBS Director and Junior Company Artistic Director Attila Mosolygo. “This special production has been waiting patiently to be seen by audiences and I look forward to sharing it with the community!”

The inspiration for this family-favorite ballet comes from the folktale in the book, “One Thousand and One Nights.” “Aladdin,” choreographed by Mosolygo, is a ballet of many stories: a young man who searches for his place in this world, a greedy sorcerer who lives only to gain more power and riches, and a princess hoping to find love.

“After having to postpone the premiere of ‘Aladdin’ in March 2020, I am filled with excitement that the GRBS Junior Company will finally be able to present it onstage this spring,” Mosolygo said. “It was heartbreaking for the students when the performances had to be canceled on what would have been their opening night two years ago.”

The GRBS Junior Company is comprised of students who attend Grand Rapids Ballet School, between the ages of 10 and 19. Being part of the Junior Company provides the opportunity to perform in their own productions and alongside the professional dancers of Grand Rapids Ballet. To participate in the Junior Company, students are required to be enrolled full-time at Grand Rapids Ballet School and maintain a 90% attendance record.

For an added experience, GRBS Junior Company is hosting Aladdin & Jasmine’s Royal Tea, a unique and memorable event, fit for both princes and princesses alike, on Sunday, March 13 at the Grand Rapids Downtown Market in the Greenhouse space. The event features a photo booth, a meet and greet with “Aladdin” characters,” a kid-friendly craft, all topped off with a brunch built for kids and adults. After the Royal Tea, the attendees will travel to the land of Agrabah at Peter Martin Wege Theatre to experience the thrills of “Aladdin” beginning at 2 p.m.

“Aladdin” takes place March 11-13 & 19-20, 2022 at Peter Martin Wege Theatre. Tickets are available now for only $18 online, via phone at (616) 454-4771 ext. 10, or in-person at GRB’s Box Office. Tickets to Aladdin & Jasmine’s Royal Tea are available for $49 per person.

###

About Grand Rapids Ballet:

Grand Rapids Ballet, Michigan’s only professional ballet company, celebrating its 50^th Anniversary in 2022, is committed to lifting the human spirit through the art of dance under experienced leadership. Grand Rapids Ballet, along with its Grand Rapids Ballet School and Junior Company continues a rich history marked by steady growth, a commitment to excellence, and strong community support.