Conservatory Ballet

Julia Biddle caps more than a decade of study at the Reston Conservatory with a breath taking excerpt from Don Quixote.  Conservatory graduate Stanislav Bolotsko returns to partner Biddle in one of ballet’s most grand and sumptuous pieces.  They are joined by more than 100 Northern Virginia students ages 5 to 18 in a Grand Gala that includes selections from classical and contemporary ballets including Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Giselle Don Quixote, Pharaoh’s Daughter and Le Corsaire.

Artistic Director Julia Redick founded the Conservatory in 1972, and in the ensuing decades, it has produced more professional ballerinas than any other pre-professional dance academy in the greater Washington area. “The Grand Gala is one of two annual productions that provide our students with performance opportunities so essential to their growth as artists,” explains Redick.  “The Gala exposes students at all stages of development to classical masterpieces and contemporary works.  This year our intermediate students are focusing on using their upper body – hands, arms, heads – through selections from Giselle, Swan Lake and the Pharaoh’s Daughter,” she continues.

Advanced students work on more intricate group pieces, partnering and solos.   Each year, they review ballets, searching for dances that excite and challenge them.  In consultation with Mrs. Redick and other faculty members, students begin incorporating these new selections into their repertoire.  This year, Herndon High freshman Georgina Greenleaf will take the stage to captivate audiences first as an innocent Princess Aurora charming several suitors in the renowned Rose Adagio.  Then as the infamous Black Swan, Odile, she will seduce Prince Sigfried, performed by Herndon High freshman Sam Jens, leading him to believe she is the Swan Queen.
The Grand Gala will take place Saturday, May 15 at 1:00 and 6:00 pm at the Madeira School Theater, 8328 Georgetown Pike, McLean. Tickets can be purchased by calling 703-715-8366 or at the door.  Prices are $22 for adults and $17 for 12 and under. For more information visit www.conservatoryballet.com.

To Purchase tickets click here or go to ConservatoryBallet.com/tickets