How do you celebrate fifteen years being together? If you were a married couple, the traditional gift would be crystal. The modern gift would be watches to mark the passage of time. If you gave flowers, they would be the most classic and elegant roses. Of course, precious gems may also come into the equation – Rubies, Rhodolite garnet or Alexandrite. But what gift do you give an entire ballet company to celebrate their 15 years of successful wedded bliss? Absolutely nothing! They’re going to give it to you instead, in the form of a grand Spring Ballet Gala!

Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida, under the direction of Ballet Master Vladimir Issaev ends its 15^th season with a collection of ballet gifts fitting for a 15^th anniversary!.

The repertoire includes Flames of Paris (RUBY Red) a classical Pas de deux from the ballet of the same name, with music by Boris Asafyev, based on songs of the French Revolution, and originally choreographed by Vasily Vainonen,

Spring Waters (CRYSTAL clear), with choreography by Asaf Messerer and Music by Sergei Rachmaninoff (from his Song for Voice and Piano). A pas de deux that shows athleticism and bravura as it rushes across the stage with a joyful exuberance.

El Encuentro (The Encounter – a WATCH would make sure you showed up on time), by Vladimir Issaev, music by Albinoni (Adagio); this piece gave Issaev the award for Best Choreographer in the Choreographer Festival in California.

Suite of Waltzes (like a bouquet of ROSES), also by Vladimir Issaev, with music by Venezuelan pianist and composer Teresa Carreno. Six women on stage in a stylistic ballet representing the different characteristics of women: sweetness, passion, anger, love, loneliness, joy. This piece is presented with live accompaniment by pianist Aly Tejas on the stage.

Glinka Suite Fantastique, Music by Glinka, and Choreography by Issaev, a piece for three men and six girls, in a very neo–classical style that represents the definitive Issaev.

And what 15^th Anniversary would be complete without a grand and glorious cake?

With the exceptional dancers that Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida has in their stable at the time of the anniversary, they could not let pass the opportunity to offer another exceptional gift to their long loyal public: excerpts from Le Corsaire showcasing the beautiful Pas D’Esclave, Pas de Trois, Adagio of the Rose (and other variations), from this beautiful and classical ballet. With music by Riccardo Drigo and choreography by Agrippina Vaganova and Vakhtang Chabukiani, like a long-standing happy marriage, they preserve the splendor of the Russian classical ballets.

These pieces will be performed by the professional dancers of the Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida company. Kaori Fukui, Jun Tanabe, Takayukia Asai, Breeana Flannery and Hector Montenegro will perform the main roles.

Only two shows will be presented. Saturday, May 11 at 7:00 pm at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale followed by a final performance on Sunday, May 12 at 5:00 pm at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center.

Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida receives funding from Miami Dade County Dept. of Cultural Affairs, Broward County Cultural Division, Florida Division of Cultural Affairs, Miami Salon Group, Funding Arts Broward, Citizens Interested in Arts, Target and Marlin Foundation, The Miami Childrens Trust to support a professional season of performances.