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By: Holley Calmes

Published: September 21, 2017

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A beautiful new ballet choreographed by renowned choreographer Bruce Wells will bring the well-loved fairy tale “Beauty and the Beast” to the stage of the Infinite Energy Theater for five performances Sept.29-Oct. 1.

The occasion is special for being a world premiere of the new ballet and also for debuting a newly formed group of dancers — Atlanta Ballet 2. The ensemble consists of 13 dancers who make up the top level of students at the Atlanta Ballet Center for Dance Education. Atlanta Ballet 2 will serve as a bridge for these young artists between ballet training and professional performance for talented young dancers ages 17-21 who have arrived at a defining point in their development.

“Beauty and the Beast” will be performed on Sept. 29 at 7 p.m., Sept. 30 at 1 and 4 p.m.; and Oct. 1 at 1 and 4 p.m. Tickets range from $10 to $57 and can be purchased at www.gassouthdistrict.com, bu calling 770-626-2464 or through the Atlanta Ballet’s website at www.atlantaballet.com.

The ballet will be a perfect introduction to young audiences ages 12 and under as well as a wonderful experience in the art form for all ages. “Beauty and the Beast” is a story dating back to 1740, and its appeal continues to charm.

Wells has created more than 50 ballets, including “Snow White” and “Pinocchio,” both of which have been performed by Atlanta Ballet in the past. Wells began his career with George Balanchine at the New York City Ballet. Since then, he has been resident choreographer for the Connecticut Ballet, Boston Ballet, and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. His ballets have been in the repertory of the Australian Ballet, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Ballet Chicago, Milwaukee Ballet, Nashville Ballet, Nevada Dance Theatre, and Kansas City Ballet.

The formation of Atlanta Ballet 2 is a inspiring goal for young dancers in the region.

“We are very excited to evolve our former Fellowship program into Atlanta Ballet 2,” says Atlanta Ballet Artistic Director Gennadi Nedvigin. “With more opportunities to develop technically with intense training as well as artistically through extensive performing experience, Atlanta Ballet 2 will undoubtedly support the growth of Atlanta Ballet’s professional company and the organization at large.

The new group will have more opportunities to perform than any prior group at Atlanta Ballet’s Center for Dance Education. Young artists will have a full inaugural season which began this year in August and will run for 36 weeks. Confirmed performances include”Beauty and the Beast” plus performances of this ballet at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center in February of 2018. They will enjoy their own Spring Concert Celebration next May as well as have opportunities to perform with the Atlanta Ballet Company at the discretion of the Artistic Director.

Dancers with Atlanta Ballet 2 come to our region from all parts of the globe. Through auditions, aspiring young dancers have been found, coming from places all over the world: Brazil, Japan, Spain, and Canada as well as the United States.

For more information about “Beauty and the Beast,” Atlanta Ballet 2 and the exciting Atlanta Ballet 2017-2018 Season, visit www.atlantaballet.com.