The Free Press
MANKATO —
Mankato Ballet’s spring concert, “La Boutique Fantasque,” will feature famous ballet variations by artistic director Eryn Michlitsch, lyrical work by Deirdre Murnane, modern and jazz works by Dani Friedman, and ballet/pointe work by Caitlyn Gerchak and Phoebe Boulester.
One of the highlights of the show will be the piece “Alexander Nevsky,” a contemporary ballet performed by Mankato Ballet Company members. The piece is about an ancient Russian war hero who overcame enormous odds to bring his army to victory. Award-winning choreography is by Kay Englert, and staging is by Michlitsch.
Funding from Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council helped make the “Nevsky” portion of the program possible.
“Alexander Nevsky” was originally performed in Washington State on the Washington Contemporary Ballet.
When Englert choreographed the work and staged it on the company members, Michlitsch was a company member at that time. Because of that connection, Mankato Ballet is allowed to host the work.
Englert died several years ago from an 11-year fight with breast cancer.
When: 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday at the Ylvisaker Fine Arts Center, Bethany College
Tickets: $12 for adults, $9 for children 12 and under, free for children under 2
