Ballet Theatre San Luis Obispo plans to bring Gilbert Reed's "The Firebird" to stage after the pandemic put it on pause for the past two years.
Ballet Theatre planned to perform the show back in 2020, but two weeks before the performance, the program was canceled.
Artistic Director Theresa Slobodnik there is a lot of history to this ballet.
Back in 1993, The Gilbert Reed Ballet performed “The Firebird” at the old Cuesta College auditorium and Slobodnik danced the title role, so returning to Cuesta College with this ballet is extra special for her.
Slobodnik, who retired from The Gilbert Reed Ballet in 2003 and founded Ballet Theatre San Luis Obispo in 2006, says she struggled with whether to put on a production like this during these uncertain times but ultimately decided to take it on as a gift to Reed, 92.
She says Reed “has been a most precious gift in my life” and has given her “an incredible performing career dancing his work” while also pouring into her “knowledge, wisdom, creativity, and balance, without which I could not be doing what I do.”
Many dancers, including principals and soloists, will have their talents shine on stage during this latest performance of "The Firebird."
The shows will take place on Saturday, June 4 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, June 5 at 2 p.m. at the Cultural and Performing Arts Center at Cuesta College.
