Ballet Theatre

Last weekend, Ballet Theatre of Maryland presented a magical stage version of "Alice in Wonderland" to open its 32nd season at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts. The ballet won the Audience Choice Award as the piece to be choreographed by BTM artistic director Dianna Cuatto, now in her eighth season at the helm. In introducing the performance, Cuatto said she set the ballet to the music of Alexander Glazunov, whose "Raymonda" and "The Seasons" ballet music worked well for the show.

The start of Ballet Theatre of Maryland's 32nd season also marks the eighth season as artistic director for Dianna Cuatto, who praised the company as she looked forward to the coming season. "This season we continue to fulfill our mission to provide Maryland with excellent dance at affordable prices," Cuatto said. "We have the best dancers this company has ever had, with the most energy. " Among the new dancers Cuatto is pleased to welcome are Joshua Burnham, whom she describes as "a superb actor with great jumps and turns"; Edward Tracz, formerly of Orlando Ballet and National Ballet of Canada, who "is a beautiful lyrical dancer with legs and feet of gold"; and Stirling Mattheson, who is from Nashville Ballet and who has "his own particular blend of elegance and boyish gusto.

Ballet Theatre of Maryland director Dianna Cuatto offered her Director's Choice program in two repertoire performances last weekend at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts. The program of classical and contemporary ballet showcased the continuing progress of Maryland's premier professional dance company. Works included two world premieres choreographed by Cuatto: an impressionistic "Dance of the Spirits" set to Edvard Grieg's Piano Concerto in A Minor, and an abstract contemporary "Wheels of Life" that marked the first collaboration of Cuatto and contemporary composer Marcus Galiber.

Ballet Theatre of Maryland opened its 31st season with two successful performances last month of "Beauty and the Beast" choreographed by artistic director Dianna Cuatto, who is in her seventh season with BTM. Cuatto brought symbolism, metaphor and humor to the show, while combining romantic elements reminiscent of Jean Cocteau's 1946 film sprinkled with hints of Disney's 1991 animated version. The ballet was set to the surprisingly compatible music of Edvard Grieg to complete the magic.

When founding director Edward Stewart and the board changed the name of Ballet Theatre of Annapolis to Ballet Theatre of Maryland in 2001, they envisioned a professional company of national renown that would "represent and service the whole state," said artistic director Dianna Cuatto. This year the group is "taking steps to fulfill that vision" by creating partnerships across the state. Maryland's premier professional ballet company and dance school starts its 31st season with plans to perform in venues outside Annapolis and conduct classes beyond Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts.

Ballet Theatre of Maryland launched its 30th anniversary season - and its most successful opener ever - with a sizable audience Saturday for the opening performance of Cinderella and a sold-out show Sunday at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts. The draw was a sparkling choreographic recreation of the fairy tale favorite by BTM artistic director Dianna Cuatto. Clearly relishing the project, Cuatto explained that she had "combined the best parts of favorite versions including Ever After, Disney, Rodgers and Hammerstein and others to create this version of the beloved tale."

The Ballet Theatre of Maryland is a company of paid professionals who teach and share technical responsibilities in addition to performing. At a recent rehearsal it was clear that their camaraderie is strong. With the troupe's 30th-anniversary season set to start this month, members lent their talents where needed as ballerina Jessica Fry demonstrated how to sew costumes she had designed. She was joined by Kathryn Carlson, both dancers in their sixth season with the BTM. The two are joined by six other returning dancers: Calder Taylor, Meagan Helman, Brian Walker, David McAlister, Margaret Hannah, and Scali Riggs.

The Ballet Theatre of Maryland's Summer Intensive 2008 Gala Performance was an entertaining event showcasing student progress. The program at Anne Arundel Community College's Pascal Center for the Performing Arts included selections from classical, modern and contemporary repertoires. Included was an excerpt from Ballet Theatre Artistic Director Dianna Cuatto's Dawn Songs, as well as excerpts from La Bayadere, Paquita and Coppelia. A whimsical acting segment featured interpretations of "Cinderella," illustrating how the dancers had learned to tell stories without words.

The Ballet Theatre of Maryland closed its 2007-2008 season last weekend with memorable performances from the entire company in a new major work honoring an Annapolis ballet teacher. Dancers were also at the top of their form in preceding selections that included Italian Symphonette, a work choreographed earlier by Dianna Cuatto, and her Tango Dramatico, requested by four principal dancers: Bryan Skates, his wife, Jamie Skates, and principal dancers Alexis Decker and Christi Bleakly. Wherever these dancers appeared, they set higher standards than before, giving cause to celebrate along with the bittersweet realization that we will no longer be able to see their magic.