The Last Dance

Appalachian State University’s 2011-12 Performing Arts Series presents its final performance of the series with Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet performance of “Moulin Rouge – The Ballet” at Farthing Auditorium on Thursday, March 22, at 8 p.m.

According to PAS staff, “Moulin Rouge – The Ballet” has toured throughout North America to cheers and ovations wherever it is presented.

Along with a rousing French soundtrack, the ballet features high-kicking choreography and a passionate story of love, ambition and heartbreak.

“Turn of the century Paris – a city of exquisite contradiction,” the ballet’s description reads. “The heady elixir of personal freedom bred lifestyles both reckless and addictive. Drawn to Paris by the city’s passion, a flame fuelled by the hearts of lovers and the souls of poets, Matthew and Nathalie tempt fate as they seek love and destiny at the infamous cabaret – The Moulin Rouge.”

Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet was founded in 1939 by Gweneth Lloyd and Betty Farrally and holds the double distinction of being Canada’s premier ballet company and the longest continuously operating ballet company in North America.

In 1953, the company received its royal title, the first granted under the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.
In 1958, Arnold Spohr was appointed artistic director. Under his direction, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet grew and developed to take its place among the world’s internationally renowned companies. To further the company’s development, a professional school was created in 1970 under the direction of David Moroni. Today, two-thirds of the company’s dancers are graduates of the school.

Throughout its history, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet has been a dance leader, recording innumerable firsts. It developed the concept of the regional ballet festival in the 1940s. It was the first Western company to perform in Cuba after the revolution. It received gold medals at the International Ballet Festival in Paris in 1968 and that same year became the first Canadian company to tour Russia and Czechoslovakia.

Advance ticket prices for “Moulin Rouge – The Ballet” at ASU are $20 for adults, $11 for students ages 6 to18, $10 for ASU students and $5 for children 5 and younger.

For this performance only, a special ticket price of $10 will be given to all senior citizens ages 55 and up. The discount will only be given by visiting or calling the box office.

For tickets or more information, call the Farthing Auditorium box office at (828) 262-4046, or visit http://www.pas.appstate.edu.