Celebrate this Valentine’s Day by taking in a performance of Cincinnati Ballet’s King Arthur’s Camelot, showing at the Aronoff Center February 10-12. The epic tale based on the story of King Arthur is translated through original choreography by Cincinnati Ballet Artistic Director & CEO Victoria Morgan, an original musical composition by Canadian composer John Estacio that is performed by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and conducted by Maestro Carmon DeLeone, and an original libretto by dramaturge Eda Holmes.
King Arthur’s Camelot is one of the few ballets based on the legendary tale of King Arthur, a prevalent focal point of medieval literature. After being pronounced king and finding true love with Guinevere by way of Merlin’s magic, King Arthur’s idyllic life soon leads way to turmoil as he learns of the transgressions of his new wife and his newest knight, Lancelot. A young idealist, King Arthur’s visions of obtaining a perfect love and ruling with honor and valor are challenged and he finds himself a mere man, navigating a world wrought with betrayal and dishonor. The story is told through a stunning display of dance and theatrical elements such as projections, puppets, and exquisite sets and costumes.
A highlight of Cincinnati Ballet’s 50th Anniversary season, the ballet premiered in 2014, the first full-length production created by Cincinnati Ballet since 1994’s Peter Pan.
If you are a true ballet aficiando, you can meet the artists at a Ballet & Beer event on Thursdasy, February 2 from 5:15-7pm at the Cincinnati Ballet Center in Over-the-Rhine. There will be a casual, behind-the-scenes experience where you can hear from Cincinnati Ballet dancers and see how they embody their characters through dance, manage complicated fight choreography, and still manage to make it all look so easy. This event is free, and pre-registration is required! RSVP via phone 513.621.5282 or online at cballet.org/ballet-beer. At the event, Cincinnati young professionals under 40 will get an exclusive opportunity to purchase specially-priced tickets for the next Cincinnati Ballet performance (pending availability).
Have the romantic Valentine’s weekend of your dreams, and join the Cincinnati Ballet for King Arthur’s Camelot.