FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 16, 2023
Ballet Jörgen brings Anne of Green Gables-The Ballet® for the first time to Newfoundland and Labrador.
“This was a great show…many positive comments from patrons on their way out. I sat beside a young girl…that was enthralled and leaning forward on her seat through both acts. at some of the antics onstage. The dancers received a standing ovation at te end – well deserved.” – Presenter, Fort McMurray, AB
Toronto – St. John’s Ballet Jörgen’s original production Anne of Green Gables–The Ballet®is coming to St. John’s Arts and Culture Centre, May 4 at 2pm & 7pm.
This creation is monumental for the company and enables us to present this uniquely Canadian story to communities across the country. Ballet Jörgen’s Anne of Green Gables – The Ballet® is the first time the story has been authorized for creation as a full-length ballet. This creation is made possible through the assistance of the heirs of Lucy Maud Montgomery. A full-sized symphonic ballet score has been created as an extended orchestration of the Anne of Green Gables – The Musical™ made possible through a partnership with Avonlea Productions Ltd. and Erinsharn Productions Ltd.
The show will feature both Hannah Mae Cruddas and Akari Fujiwara as Anne Shirley. Hannah Mae Cruddas is a Dartmouth, Nova Scotia local and Ballet Jörgen dancer of 13 years. This will be her last performance on stage before she joins Jörgen Dance’s Atlantic Council and continues with the company in the role of Education Assistant Manager. Akari Fujiwara has danced with Ballet Jörgen since 2016. From Junior Company to RBC Apprentice to Company member, Akari has flourished on stages across Canada taking over the role of Anne Shirley.
“St. John’s is truly a special place – not only does the wild beauty of it take my breath away, but it also feels like coming home. Music seems to ride on the wind there, bringing with it joy and abandon. Anne of Green Gables -The Ballet is a story about a spirited girl who finds a sense of belonging among the beauty and the kindred spirits of Avonlea – what better place for me to say farewell to that girl than in St. John’s, among kindred spirits.”– Hannah Mae Cruddas, Company Member since 2011, Dartmouth, NS
“I am beyond excited to perform in St. John’s. It has been seven years since Ballet Jörgen performed in NL. Visiting in 2017 is one of my special memories with Ballet Jörgen, and I look forward to sharing more memories in St. John’s with my Ballet Jörgen family. Bringing Anne of Green Gables – The Ballet® to Atlantic Canada means a lot to me. I loved reading Anne of Green Gables when I was child, and being in Atlantic Canada makes me feel more of Anne’s spirit and brings her bright colourful imagination to life. I look forward to meeting everyone in St. John’s and sharing this beautiful Canadian story with you!”– Akari Fujiwara, Company Member since 2016
The tour will be accompanied by Ballet 101 Community Programming in 11 NL communities. Ballet 101s are free one-hour presentations suitable for all ages which provide opportunities to see real performances by a professional ballet company while learning about ballet as a storytelling medium.
“Ballet Jörgen is one of the ONLY Ballet companies that makes its way to our island. The Company’s so willing and open to sharing their art… Not only does it showcase quality ballets that are entertaining and of a strong technical standard, but it demonstrates FANTASTIC outreach endeavours that expose so many people to this art form. This is vital, as for many people in our province this is their only exposure to professional Ballet. While we have a very strong dance student population, there is no professional dance company.” – A Former Dance Representative for the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council
Ballet Jörgen is committed to making the arts accessible to all Canadians and delivers programming in all 10 Provinces.
The National Tour is made possible by BMO Financial Group. The Atlantic Canada Youth Engagement Program is made possible by TD. Nationwide Dance for All programming is made possible by the Azrieli Foundation. The Apprentice Program is made possible by RBC and RBC Foundation. The Nova Scotia and New Brunswick Programming is made possible by The River Philip Foundation. Anne of Green Gables–The Ballet® National Tour Front of House Sponsor is Tourism Prince Edward Island. St. John’s Performances Hotel Sponsor is Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland.
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About Jörgen Dance
For 35 years Jörgen Dance has brought the joy of dance to countless individuals, families, and communities across Canada and beyond. While we are firmly rooted in our history as an exceptional professional ballet company, we have grown to be so much more! Today we offer a wide range of training and community programs across many dance styles to ensure dance is truly accessible for all Canadians. Whether you are looking to attend a performance, learn to dance, or engage with the arts for the first time; there is something for you under the Jörgen Dance umbrella. You will be welcomed, educated, entertained, and be a respected member of our in-person and virtual community. As an organization we genuinely believe in our motto Dance for All. Ballet Jörgen is the 2011 winner of The National Arts Centre Award for Distinguished Contribution to Touring – the first Ontario Performing Arts Organization to win this award.
For more information, photos, and/or to request an interview, contact:
Casey Spector, casey@balletjorgen.ca 416-961-4725