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Atlanta Ballet
Category: Arts & Entertainment Opera & Ballet Opera & Ballet [Edit]
1695 Marietta Blvd NWAtlanta, GA 30318
(404) 873-5811
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
13 reviews for Atlanta Ballet
13 reviews in English
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Review from John C.
Athens-Clarke County, GA
Updated - 9/1/2011
Thanks for the comment-back, Katherine. It's been six months since the last call and memories of the show have far exceeded the calls.
I hope to come back to see the Nutcracker again the holiday season.
I hope that everyone in the Atlanta area gets the chance to do the same!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/17/2011
I took my wife to see the Nutcracker just after Christmas 2009. It was a wonderful show, the Fox… Read more »
Comment from Katherine H. of Atlanta Ballet 8/12/2011
Hi John - I'm sorry you had such a negative experience with… More » -
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Review from Daniel B.
11/4/2010 1 photo
Thanks to Kathleen and Yelp for hooking me up with tickets to the Atlanta Ballet's performance of Moulin Rouge. Apart from watching my sister's recitals in elementary school, I don't think I've ever been to a full-fledged professional ballet performance before. Moulin Rouge took place at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, which is a new and beautiful facility.
I'm not sure how to appropriately review or rate a ballet performance since it frankly, is not my cup of tea. The entire performance lasted about 90 minutes with an intermission in the middle. Most of the performances were fun to watch and the costumes and set decorations were lavish and well-made. Fellow Yelper Jang C. said it best when he tweeted that going to the ballet is like watching a silent movie. It really is, because all you hear is music with the occasional sound effect. The music is a mixture of recorded and live orchestral and instrumental performances.
I was expecting the show to be a bit more energetic and lively, much like the movie Moulin Rouge. I was mistaken though, as the Atlanta Ballet's version is more classical and elegant (i.e. boring). However, many people were really into it and having a good time. The ushers were on top of things and the production ran smoothly. It doesn't take a ballet expert to realize the production values and quality of the performance was high. This is also a great place to take a date.
I had to pick up my tickets from the Atlanta Ballet offices on Marietta St. in Westside Atlanta. I had no idea their offices were located in such a big complex. I was told by one of the employees that the building on Marietta St. is where the rehearsals take place as well as where the ballet stores all of their costumes and props, etc. You can also take ballet lessons and there is a small gift shop. -
Review from Kristin B.
Atlanta, GA
11/1/2010
If you ever want to feel like a completely unattractive giant, visit the Atlanta Ballet Complex right as a dance practice is getting out. Thankfully, I was there to pick up a pair of free of tickets that Atlanta Ballet had offered as promos to a few of us lucky yelpers. They had two staffers working the ticket counter, so the process was a breeze. Kudos to them also for embracing unique marketing opportunities like yelp and twitter.
Our orchestra level seats in row U at the Cobb Energy Centre were the perfect spot to watch "Moulin Rouge" from. Far enough away that you could see the whole stage and appreciate the unity of the dancers, but close enough that you could zero in on the technical skill of the leads.
The dancers were excellent and the costumes were stunning. I've always rotated between the opera, symphony, and whatever Broadway musical is in town when I have the money and/or time for the performing arts, but I will definitely be adding ballet into that rotation. The audience was also really well dressed which added another something special to the evening. Unlike the last few musicals I've seen where it seems like jeans are becoming more and more acceptable, ballet patrons were dressed to the nines. I like getting dressed up to go see a show, and I enjoyed being around the company of others who felt the same way.
My one suggestions for the Atlanta Ballet: Please, please, PLEASE cut out the opening remarks by the artistic director or benefactors or whomever. It just *screams* community theater and took away greatly from the professionalism of the performance.Listed in: It's a Date, Fancy Schmancy
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Review from Jana S.
2/16/2011
I was raised by two professional ballet dancers, so I've probably been to the ballet about 10 times a year ever since I was born. Since I've lived in Atlanta, I've only been to the ballet a handful of times.
I was very excited to go see Sleeping Beauty. It is one of my favorite ballets. Petipa's choreography is technically challenging, which is probably only noticeable for a trained eye, and stunningly beautiful. The music is SO captivating!! Some of Tchaikovsky's best!!
I was a little disappointed by the performance of the Atlanta Ballet. The lead was danced by Kristine Loveless Necessary who is retiring at the end of the season. I guess they wanted to give her one last role to dance. She did ok, but she did not shine by any means. I think the role was just too big for her. She's no Carla Fracci, for sure!
The lilac fairy - another big role in the ballet was performed by a rather inexperienced dancer who gave a boring performance and couldn't seem to find her balance all evening long.
The only shining star was Tara Lee who played Carabosse, the evil witch. She took over the stage with her tiny little frame. I couldn't take my eyes off her.
I think this ballet performance really suffered from poor casting. Either that - or Atlanta is slowly running out of talented dancers?
I've seen very good performances by this company in the past, so I'm not sure what happened here...? -
Review from Lucy W.
10/30/2010
My 300th review! I've been to several Atlanta Ballet performances over the last 2 seasons that I've been in Atlanta, all of which were performed at the Cobb Energy Centre.
The Magic Flute (Oct 2009)- I didn't realize that I had actually seen this ballet before (in Canada, performed by the Winnepeg Ballet) until I heard the opening notes of the live opera singers performing live with the ballet. Though I knew the story (and was deprived of the surprise breathtaking reveal of glass bricks at the beginning of the 2nd act) Atlanta Ballet brought a fresh take to the ballet. The intricate choreography, linked both in classical and modern styles, was done exceptionally well.
Cinderella (Feb 2010)- I have to say, I was a little disappointed with this version of Cinderella. I had seen the classic version of the Cinderella ballet before- this version is a more rustic and realistic version. The ballerina who played Cinderella in the show I saw seemed to dance very heavily- so much so that I didn't believe that she was a young lively girl who had the strength or spirit to go against her evil stepmother.
Vivaldi Four Seasons (March 2010)- one of my favorite classical pieces to listen to, it was interesting to see a ballet set to it. The costumes were beautiful and wonderfully represented the different seasons. Favorites, in both the music and the ballet, are Spring and Winter.
Moulin Rouge (Oct 2010)- Wonderful costumes and sets. The story was compelling, the transitions (when the sets are changed) are entertaining, and the on-stage live fiddle and accordian added ambiance to the Parisian atmosphere. The familiar Parisian soundtrack, can can music and pieces like Debussy's Clair de Lune are great connection points within the ballet. I noticed that the Atlanta Ballet leads all are technically proficient and quite dainty...they lack the spark and stage presence of the secondary leads, who tend to be the exuberant spunky actors and comic reliefs. All in all, entertaining, but just lacking that extra oomph to push them to 5 stars.Listed in: See a show!
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Review from Sabrina M.
Atlanta, GA
10/25/2010
I've never been a big fan of the ballet. Nothing against it, it's just never been my thing. However, for a friend's birthday, I went to the Atlanta Ballet's production of Moulin Rouge and I was VERY impressed. Everything about it was just wonderful.
I saw the movie but I couldn't remember the exact plot, but that wasn't a problem at all as the performance was very easy to follow. I laughed, I cheered, I was touched! It was wonderful! All of it! I was particularly impressed with the costumes. Very nice! The dresses inspired me to try to find some place where I can wear a can-can dress...and flash my ruffles!
All in all, it was a surprisingly delightful evening at the ballet. Look at me...I'm all cultured now! -
Review from Michael E.
Atlanta, GA
1/4/2008
OK, so I'm not one for ballet, but we actually have a very good company here in Atlanta. If you guys are looking for something to impress the girls, suck it up and take her (remember who puts up with your endless football-game-watching).
They're also putting on a really cool show as part of their new season that features music from Big Boi from Outkast- now that's what I call opposites attracting. -
Review from Urban H.
Duluth, GA
4/17/2008
I went to my first ballet here in Atlanta on 2008.04.12 My mother and I went to see "big". I loved it. The Ballet started out with a little Avant-garde/experimental flair that i honestly did NOT get...my mom told me later she was secretly wondering how she was going to tell me she didn't like the ballet, but thankfully the ballet just got better and better. It included a 20 minute intermission where people downed whine, champagne, beer, popcorn (yes, that's right...beer & popcorn at a ballet) & cigarettes. @nd act opened with a couple of dancers doing graffiti & ballet at the same time...yea, wrap your mind around that...
Opening:
It opened with a beautiful solo performance by Tara Lee (she was great...so jealous of her body). Lee would be seen throughout the various scenes/vignettes. Then Big Boi comes out in long baggy jean shorts & large button down top with one of his mega-hits from Speakerboxxx while the dancers performed in the background - side...Speaking of side, out seats were to the left of center-stage & the ballet "played" towards that direction during most of the performances. Go to know if the show goes on tour.
Ending:
Bows & encores...introduction of each musician...yes the music was live...artist who each should their musically talent...then the band & artist performed "The Way You Move" the crowd started dancing in their seats and the isle
Music Audio:
Outkast and Sleepy Brown songs (...yes that includes Kryptonite & Bombs over Baghdad) with some classical, Rock, Rap, Soul, by a LIVE band....& a Spoken-word piece with a live band & ballet dancer in the background
Visiual effects:
...strob lights, soft-screens, trapdoors, wirework, video project imagery, traditions stage props..etc
Crowd:
diverse audience...From surfer to wannabe hip-hop star
Dress:
clubbing to church...long formals to PJs...I saw Baby Phat crop jeans & designer formal gowns
My Fav:
Janelle Monae - she did ballet WHILE singing...she is PHENOMENAL (not just in the ballet... http://www.myspace.com...)...Diddy has a class-act artist
http://www.mtv.com/new...
http://www.mtv.com/new...
Artists on stage:
Big Boi, Sleepy Brown, Joi, Janelle Monae, Scar, Konkrete, Big Rube, Khujo Goodie and The Purple Ribbon All Starz
BEAWARE:
Big Boi did curse in some of his songs. Some of the dancing was very sensual (but i liked it)
Example of some songs that were in the production:
http://www.bluemaze.co... -
Review from Christine S.
Atlanta, GA
2/22/2011
I love Atlanta Ballet. I have been involved with Atlanta Ballet from my young years with the Centre of Dance Education for summer camps where I learned a lot to attending performances over the course of many years to interacting with them in the partnership with Kennesaw State University. Atlanta Ballet is a wonderful dance company and I am happy to have them nearby.
They perform beautiful classics such as 'The Nutcracker' and 'Swan Lake' but then always give us a taste of variety with unique and exploratory pieces as well. The dancers are beautiful and talented-- I always look forward to watching them perform. If you have never been to watch them, check for tickets and go see a show today. Whether you prefer classical stories or more upbeat, Atlanta Ballet will have a show for you! -
Review from Louise B.
Atlanta, GA
10/30/2010
Saw Moulin Rouge last weekend at the Cobb Energy Centre & it was beautiful! I haven't been to the ballet in such a long time. To be honest I've never actually seen Moulin Rouge the movie all the way through because it just didn't hold my attention. This ballet was the complete opposite. I couldn't take my eyes off of the dancers. The story line was so easy to follow & it just pulls you in.
The crowd was an interesting mix as well. Young, old, black, white & in between, people wearing jeans, cocktail dresses, suit, & ballgowns. I struggled a bit figuring out what to wear, but from the looks of it... just go in whatever makes you feel comfortable. -
Review from Emily K.
2/4/2009
I love the Atlanta Ballet. I've been going to shows off and on since I was in high school. Being a former dancer myself, there was plenty to appeal to me about the company. They're all incredibly talented and wonderful to watch.
My favorite show of theirs has to be Dracula. It's making another appearance over the next two weeks for Valentine's Day (Love sucks?). The first time I saw it, I was in awe. The choreography was amazing, the costumes were to die for, and while color blind casting can lead to some humorous visuals, the show is a don't miss. Even people who think ballet is boring and stuffy will be converted when they see this show. It's that good. There's some particularly impressive corps work at the end in the graveyard.
While Dracula is far and away my favorite show of theirs, any show will be enjoyable. Also with their new home at the Cobb Energy Center, the experience is even better. -
Review from Anna F.
Atlanta, GA
2/25/2009
Seeing "Big" (Big Boi's collaborative project with the Atlanta Ballet) and "The Nutcracker" made me a big fan of the Atlanta Ballet, as both productions were awesome... so I purchased '08-'09 season tickets. They were the best season tickets I've ever bought. "Swan Lake" just isn't my favorite ballet/story (it bores me), but the Atlanta Ballet still did a great job with it. "Dracula," on the other hand, was one of the best performances - not just ballet performances, but ALL performances - that I've ever seen on stage! It's mysteriously beautiful, it's sinful and sexy and delightfully scary... your attention is held 100% of the time, and you're sad when it's over (and, ladies, you can drag your men out to this one! - my boyfriend loved it, and he's the last man on earth to really love a ballet). I can't wait to see the production of "Don Quixote" this May.
As a sidenote - the Atlanta Ballet now performs at the Cobb Energy Centre, which is a big plus to checking out a performance. I originally was sad when it was announced that it was to be the new home of the Atlanta Ballet, as I'm in love with the Fox and practically grew up there... But the CEC is impressively elegant and has an airier, more 'performance hall' feel... definitely a fun new Atlantan venue. -
Review from Robert A.
Marietta, GA
2/16/2009
My wife and I went to see Dracula at the Cobb Energy Center on Valentine's Day and it was wonderful. I have never been to a ballet before but my wife has seen several of them and told me that Dracula was very masculine and by far her favorite ballet she has seen. The costumes were very well done and the stage setting was equally impressive. I never thought I would care much for ballet dancing but this show was so enjoyable I would pay to see it again. The orchestra was fantastic and the sound quality at the CEC is in my opinion the best in the Atlanta metro area. I look forward to seeing another ballet here, I believe that Don Quixote will be back in May and we are planning to see it.
