Ms. Lauren Anderson, the former prima ballerina of the Houston Ballet, will be staging “Giselle” at Clawson High School Auditorium on Saturday, March 24 for two performances at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
In 1990, Ms. Anderson became Prima Ballerina of the Houston Ballet in Houston, Texas, the first African American ballerina to become a principal for a major dance company.
Today, Ms. Anderson serves as Outreach Director at Houston Ballet. She is serving as director of the Giselle production, working with dancers who are in training at The Link School Of The Arts.
“Giselle” is considered a most romantic ballet. The work tells the heart-rending story of Giselle, a beautiful peasant girl, and Albrecht, a capricious nobleman. Upon discovering he is betrothed to another, she dies of a broken heart. The second act is set beside her grave, where her spirit demonstrates true love.
Staged by Ms. Anderson, the performance features Andrew Murphy of the Houston Ballet and Jennifer Bobo of the Link Ballet. Choreography is courtesy of Ben Stevenson, O.B.E. Music is by Adolphe Adam. Costumes are courtesy of Fort Wayne Ballet, Indiana.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $12 for ages 12 and under. The performances are Saturday March 24 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Clawson High School is located at 101 John M Avenue, Clawson, Michigan, 48017. For tickets and to learn more, please call (248) 733-0200 or visit: ArtsAtTheLink.org.
For a look at Lauren Anderson as America’s African American Prima Ballerina, her childhood, love for her city and her many challenges and success in the world of professional ballet, please click here.