Ballet Theatre of Washington Preps Fall Performances in Centralia

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Powerful music, elaborate costuming and beautiful dancing will tell the story of good triumphing over evil in Ballet Theatre of Washington’s fall performances Friday and Saturday, Oct. 16 and 17.

Entering its second season, BTW is presenting “The Firebird” and “The Sleeping Beauty, Act III: Aurora’s Wedding” at Centralia College’s Corbet Theatre.

“The Firebird” is a dramatic, action-packed ballet, set to Stravinsky’s iconic score. It tells the story of the beautiful and powerful Firebird, who helps Prince Ivan save a group of princesses from the evil Koschei. With all new choreography by BTW directors Mick and Nancy Gunter, this production will include local wrestlers playing the parts of Koschei’s army of monsters.  

Following “The Firebird” on the program is Act III from the classic ballet “The Sleeping Beauty.” In this ballet, the newly awakened Princess Aurora and her prince celebrate their wedding with her childhood friends.  Among the guests at the wedding are Puss in Boots, Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf, Cinderella and Prince Charming, and a giant ogre that dances with Tom Thumb and his brothers.

Set to Tchaikovsky’s music, this production is being staged after the original 1890 choreography, with all of its technical bravura and elegance. Gorgeous, elaborate costuming will add to the magic, ensuring a ballet sure to enchant all ages.



Ballet Theatre of Washington was founded in 2014 to cultivate an appreciation for the artistry and athleticism of ballet by staging affordable, full-scale productions for the Centralia-Chehalis area and surrounding rural communities.  While it was founded as an outgrowth of Centralia Ballet Academy, it is open to dancers from any school, providing opportunities for local dancers to extend their training beyond the classroom setting through experiences that will challenge and stretch them as performers and provide a glimpse of the world of professional ballet.

Performances will take place at Corbet Theatre on the campus of Centralia College.  Performance times are 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct.16, and 2 and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17.  Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at Holly’s Place or Burgerville in Centralia, at Book ‘n’ Brush in Chehalis or through www.brownpapertickets.com. They will also be available at the door. 

For more information, visit www.balletwashington.org or contact BTW at info@balletwashington.org or (360) 623-9010.