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Ballet West: Aladdin Members Pick Staff Pick

When: Fri., April 3, 7 p.m., Sat., April 4, 10 a.m., 2 & 7 p.m. and Sun., April 5, 2 p.m. 2015
Price: $15 to $35

It seems like every professional ballet company worth its salt has produced its own creative rendition of Aladdin. In 2013, Ballet West's principle ballet mistress, Pamela Robinson-Harris, along with former company soloist Peggy Dolkas, choreographed their version of the ballet for the company's popular family series. This spring, that original piece of choreography returns to the Capitol Theatre. Many are familiar with Aladdin from the popular1992 Disney animated film, but the epic One Thousand and One Nights (also known as Arabian Nights) story of Aladdin—a young orphan living on the streets, who wins the love of a princess with help from a magic lamp, a genie and three wishes—has been told since the third century. French scholar Antoine Galland translated and introduced the tale to Western audiences in the early 18th century, and it soon found its way into books and onto the stage. The cast for this family series production comes from the ranks of Ballet West II, Ballet West's professional training division, and includes students from the Ballet West Academy. But, according to Peter Christie, director of education, it's not a children's ballet. "It is a charming ballet, very appealing to families," Christie says, "with the same professional quality as any of our other performances." And, with a running time of only 80 minutes, it's a great introduction to dance for all ages. (Katherine Pioli)