As the holiday season approaches, a fresh and captivating Christmas ballet is ready to light up stages in three major cities. Claire Kretzschmar Productions, in collaboration with Ballet Hartford, proudly presents A Ceremony of Carols, a heartwarming double feature that promises to bring the magic of Christmas to life through dance and music.
Set to debut in New York City, Philadelphia, and Winston-Salem, this festive program is spearheaded by Claire Kretzschmar, former soloist of the New York City Ballet and Artistic Director of Ballet Hartford. Featuring Kretzschmar’s original choreography, the production offers a new holiday tradition that blends artistic brilliance with the spirit of the season.
At the heart of the program is the world premiere of Weihnachtsbaum—German for “Christmas Tree”—set to the enchanting music of Franz Liszt. This ballet evokes the warmth and joy of a Christmas gathering, capturing the essence of the holiday spirit. Following this, the production will culminate in A Ceremony of Carols, a masterful ballet set to Benjamin Britten’s twelve beloved songs, featuring the angelic harmonies of Grammy Award-winning singer Katy Avery and a live ensemble of piano, harp, and choral music.
“This project is a dream come true,” Kretzschmar shared. “Christmas has always been my favorite time of year, and presenting A Ceremony of Carols as a new holiday tradition is something I’ve always wanted to do. The two ballets are joyful and inviting, each telling its own story of holiday cheer. I’m honored to collaborate with such talented artists, and I hope these performances will feel like a gift to the communities that have shaped my own artistic journey.”
The upcoming tour is particularly meaningful for Kretzschmar, who grew up in Winston-Salem, NC. Not only does the program showcase her choreographic talent, but it also celebrates her connection to her hometown and the broader artistic communities she’s been a part of throughout her career.
A Hometown Return: Special Collaborations and Performances
A shared love of art and Christmas has brought together a talented group of collaborators, including Winston-Salem native Katy Avery. Avery, co-producer and featured vocalist in the production, expressed her excitement about this unique opportunity. “Combining my love of dance with my singing career has always been a dream. When I saw Claire’s post about A Ceremony of Carols last year, I knew it was something I had to be a part of. I’m thrilled to return to the stage I danced on so many times as a child,” she said.
The Winston-Salem performance will feature a special solo by Kretzschmar herself, adding a personal touch to the homecoming show. Additionally, Kretzschmar will offer two master classes at the Academy of Dance Arts on Saturday, December 14, giving local dancers a rare opportunity to learn from the accomplished choreographer and performer. These classes, designed for both beginner and advanced students, reflect her commitment to giving back to the community that first nurtured her love for ballet.
Tour Schedule and Ticket Information
The Ceremony of Carols tour represents a significant milestone for Ballet Hartford as well, highlighting the company’s growing reputation for artistic excellence and innovation. With the combination of original choreography, live music, and a community-focused spirit, this production promises to become a cherished part of the holiday season in each city it visits.
The performance schedule is as follows:
- New York City, NY: Monday, December 9, 7:30 PM at Symphony Space
- Philadelphia, PA: Wednesday, December 11, 7:30 PM at Performance Garage
- Winston-Salem, NC: Sunday, December 15, 3:00 PM at Reynolds Auditorium
Tickets are available for purchase through Claire Kretzschmar Productions’ website, claire-k.com, or through Ballet Hartford at ballethartford.com. Be sure to secure your seat for what promises to be an enchanting and unforgettable Christmas ballet experience!
For more information, including details on Ballet Hartford’s fall schedule of performances and events, visit their website. Celebrate the joy of the season with this stunning production and make A Ceremony of Carols part of your holiday tradition!
