From The Alberta Ballet Company to Ballet Edmonton, the city’s produced some of the most prominent ballet ensembles in Western Canada. As a result, Edmonton’s played a key role in popularising ballet in the region over the past 60 years. Now, ‘Ballet of Lights’ in Edmonton is adding to the city’s legacy of ballet with a dazzling tribute to The Sleeping Beauty. Dressed in luminous ensembles, the ballerinas twist and twirl to Tchaikovsky’s timeless ballet to shine a new light on Princess Aurora and her 100-year slumber.
What is ‘Ballet of Lights’
‘Ballet of Lights’ takes the traditional art form and adds a technological element that makes each performance visually distinctive. This production maintains all the elements ballet enthusiasts appreciate—the pointe work, the pirouettes, the leaps—while introducing light-enhanced costumes that give dancers a luminous quality on stage. The production balances ballet’s established traditions with new visual elements, creating an experience that feels both classical and contemporary.
Ballet, its storytelling and the show
Through choreographed sequences, ballet dancers become storytellers, using their bodies to convey emotion. In “Ballet of Lights”, this expressive quality is demonstrated through performances of iconic ballet sequences, including highlights from “The Sleeping Beauty.” This enchanting story portrays Princess Aurora’s journey from her ill-fated sixteenth birthday celebration, through her hundred-year sleep after the fairy Carabosse’s curse, to her eventual awakening by the prince’s kiss—all expressed through the eloquent language of classical ballet.
What distinguishes this production is how the lighting technology adds a visual dimension to each scene. The fibre-optic costumes function as visual indicators of the story. The show runs for a concise 60 minutes, allowing viewers to experience the full emotional arc of the ballet without overwhelming those new to the art form, while the visual effects highlight the technical aspects and emotional nuances of the dancers’ performances.
Ballet of Lights Reviews in Edmonton
Since making its debut in Edmonton, Ballet of Lights has received countless five-star reviews.
“What a beautiful performance. This was my first ballet and after seeing tonight’s show, I will most definitely be doing this again. Beautiful” – September 19
“The performers were excellent ” – January 24
“Beautiful dancing with the perfect amount of lights and whimsical magic.” – January 24
“Unique experience. Nice venue.” – January 24
“The Dancers were Exquisite. Thank you.” – January 24
Twirl into a dazzling daydream at ‘Ballet of Lights’ in Edmonton. It’s a magnificent dance spectacle that puts the timeless tale of a sleepy princess under a brand new spotlight. If you’ve never had the chance to experience the magic of ballet live, this show is a fabulous introduction to the centuries-old art form.
Seats are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis in each zone and doors open 30 minutes prior to the event start time. Late entry is not permitted, so make sure you arrive at the venue with some time to spare.