Carolina Ballet

We knew we loved the music, Messiah is so powerful. However, we were unsure how we would feel about the ballet. It was amazing! The choreography fabulous and the execution flawless. I'd certainly go again and take friends.

My 7 year old, almost 8, enjoyed the show more this year than in the past. Definitely recommend for ages 7 and up. This show has become an annual tradition. We love the magic! The dancers are magnificent!

This show was unbelievably crafted: Choreography, Original Music, Stage Sets, Lighting, the Costumes... we can't compliment the creators enough! But the most exciting surprise was the depth of the successful execution of perhaps the most difficult challenge in human communication: the complete transfer of a written masterpiece into one without words. No subtle messages were left 'unsaid'. No compromises. As expounded in the Playbill by Artistic Director, Robert Weiss, "verbal poetry" was replaced with "physical danced poetry". A must-see for all ages and all stages! And the pacing was perfect: a one hour first act followed by a 20 minute intermission and then two powerful salvos in Act 2 and 3... For a 2.5 hour stunning evening. This translation of "Macbeth" approaches "Weat Side Story" in its transformational contemporary homage to Shakespeare's legacy!

Orchestra = excellent 1st act well done and very cute 2nd act ok-- very much not in-sync with one another-- solo performances, though, were good. Kids adorable!

Carolina Ballet's Nutcracker was exactly what it should be. The professional elements - set and costume design, choreography, "special effects" -were all beautiful. But the thing that makes this show a tradition for Raleigh to cherish was the creative use of local children in many roles. Kids romped thorugh the party scene. Tiny mice and tin soldiers duked it out under the giant Christmas tree. Kids twirled and bopped in sugarplum costumes like so many high-calories tops. The gingerbread kids who emerged from under Mother' Ginger's massive skirt stole the show with gymnastic energy. Young Clara and her prince were charming. The adult dancers were excellent. My party consisted of my sister, my daughter, and my six-year-old granddaughter, and we all found plenty to enjoy. Well done.

Great show, children performers were awesome. Very cute gingerbread dancers. Show was great and a must see for families during the holiday times.

I see Nutcracker almost every year. This year, at the performance I attended, I thought the ballet was a bit sloppy compared to years past. It was okay, and better than I could ever do, but in years past everything has been precise. I have been so amazed by the chocolate truffles gliding around the stage that I just stared at their feet to see if they were wearing skates. This year, they were not smooth at all in my opinion. The dancers' arms were not uniform, the lines were crooked, it was just not as precise as I have come to expect. I thought the orchestra was right on. And if anyone reads this, it was a 3:00 performance, the dancers might have just had a bad performance. I have always been amazed at the quality of dancing in the past, and I will go again next year. This e-mail came up asking for my comment and I complied.

Forty years ago I danced in the Nutcracker as a member of the Dallas Civic Ballet so attending any Nutcracker performance is a dream come true. The Raleigh performance was incredible. The scenery, the costumes, but mostly the dancing was breathtaking. And, of course the adorable children stole my heart. I can't wait till next year!

I enjoyed the performance, but definitely more children oriented. The sets and costumes were wonderful. The dancers were great to watch.

Outstanding Riveting! Worth risking my life while driving through the dangerous road conditions! A must see!

It was so incredibly cute, all the children dancing with the adults - very talented people, so much fun!

Fun, Fun, Fun!!! It was a great show! It was my husband's first time at a Ballet. He wants to come back to see the other shows coming soon. Thanks to the wonderful and talented ballet dancers and musicians for sharing their God given gifts to the world. Thank you Alvarado Family

The Nutcracker by the Carolina Ballet was spectacular. The dancers were very talented and graceful, but the orchestra really made this production shine. The music was energetic and passionate. The costumes and set design were fabulous. You get the feel of a hometown ballet with the talent and energy of a professional production. Highly recommended!

The set was amazing. The dancing was beautiful, especially the Sugar Plum Fairy and cute little sugar plums. What a great memory for me and my daughter at Christmas time.

We live in Rochester and have seen the Messiah many times - but wow this was amazing

I didn't know what to expect going into this presentation. A pleasant surprise to say the least--It was one of the best ballets and choral presentations I have ever experienced. (And I am old enough to have seen Nureyev and Fonteyn). The choreography was excellent, the dancers exceptional- you could see the joy in their faces as they danced. I can't wait to see it again, though I may have to wait five years!

This amazing event makes me so proud of our town and our state. The choreography is thrilling, the NC Chorale is stunning and the lighting and staging is spectacular! This is a truly spiritual experience for me and does what great art should do--takes an ineffable experience and transports you to the Divine. Thank you Carolina Ballet and Robert Weiss--and to the whole team for this magical holiday gift!

Awesome is the only description I can think of to describe the performance. The music and the ballet were wonderful. Very powerful in both areas.

Delightful evening to start the Christmas season for my husband and myself. Choreography was superb - an artform so beautiful yet so simple - the singing, music, dance, the message - absolutely moving and wonderful. Other than Nutcracker this was our first attendance at a ballet. It won't be the last. Thank you Robert Weiss for bringing Messiah to Raleigh. The Martins

As usual the choreography and dancers were excellent. However, the music did not support either of those. After a while, inspite of the great dancing, it ruined the event. We finally decided to leave. Whilst leaving I noticed many others were leaving too. What a shame.

Artistically presented, wonderful symphony... would have liked more background scenery, a bit more sense of drama and anticipated the most well known number to be the climax at the end... so felt mildly let down when it was presented mid way. I would have been lost had it not been for the program guide.

an excellent presentation: top ballet quality, top choreography, wonderful chorale. My only suggestion: chorus is hidden in a dark pit, which is unfortunate. It should be visible, it's top quality deserves it.

Excellent show ! This was the first time I had ever seen it and now I will see it every year.

Absolutely amazing event. Original ballet to original score....both outstanding.

The Carolina Ballet is stronger than ever. This was an original that was thought provoking, elegant and the performance was brilliant. I would love to see it again.

Probably the best performance that I have seen up to date, the music, choreography, performers, and costumes were amazing!

Attila Bongar is so amazing and it showed through his choreography of GUERNICA, this piece was the most beautiful, breath taking ballet I have ever seen. I think Attila Bongar is so talented, I love his passion for the ballet and I will continue to come to the Carolina Ballet to see everything he does. WAY TO GO ATTILLA.

Wonderful costumes, beautifully smooth movements, great explanations of each segment to help you understand the Picaso aspect.

My daughter and I have attended a Carolina Ballet's Nutcracker performance every holiday season for 20 years. The Carolina Ballet Company dancers are awesome. We always look forward to the beautiful costumes, sets, props and to seeing the updates and changes from year to year. Hearing and watching the NC Symphony live along with the ballet is enormously wonderful. The fun magic tricks are entertaining as well. We LOVE our Carolina Ballet!!!

Very well choreographed, a surprise to find we had live piano score being preformed.

An amazing show, beautiful scenery and most importantly a wonderful atmosphere in downtown raleigh.

Enjoyable performance! Only problem was showing up at DPAC to find out the program was in Raleigh. Had to back track and missed the first 15 minutes of the performance. All in all, it was still a nice time.

My husband and I were vey excited to have the opportunity to see some of the younger dancers gain stage experience. What we saw in anticipation and excitement made up for the inexperience. We loved The Double and the Pas de deux from Sleeping beauty was wonderful. We can not wait until the season begins in September. Robert Weiss has put Raleigh on the map, as far as I am concerned. I also loved reading the tribute on the back of the program written by Walter Shur. I believe he echoed my feelings exactly, and the tribute to his wife was very sweet.

The performance and magic was amazing. The overall cohesiveness of the dancers was not completely together. The orchestra was AMAZING. Wished the men dancer had longer routines to match the length of the female performers.

The Carolina Ballet introduced some extra-magical spectaculars for the traditional ballet. There was a snafu where liquid was spilled on-stage, and one dancer's hair accessory fell out on-stage - and they handled both incidents with complete aplomb & skill (the male dancer on a downward jete just swept the hair thing into the wings without missing a beat!). The children acting/dancing were phenomenal, the overall performance was captivating, and the delivery was fun and engaging. Even my dad (who is not a Ballet fan) was caught up in the magic of the ballet they presented. Would definitely recommend going to this, especially for children or people looking for a new experience. This was a great time...and highly entertaining.

I went to the ballet with 3 people who was seeing a ballet for the first time. They loved it so much that can't wait to go again. I am from NY and have seen many ballets, I did not expect so much from this ballet. To my surprise, it was wonderful. I enjoyed my self very much. It is a must see. I can't wait for Beauty and the Beast.

If you love a timeless classic with unforgettable characters, beautiful scenery, lovely music, and excellent ballet dancing then the Sleeping Beauty ballet is the ballet for you.

The dancers were so entertaining. We got to sit on the side front, great seats. Could see the orchestra play from where we were sitting. Love love loved the story!!!

I was so excited for this performance but was never wowed! Dancers didn t appear confident of moves. Near end other dancers on stage were yawning while others danced and by then I just wanted it to be over since their moves never improved enough. The story line was there but dancers are not skilled. Will try Richmond ballet next time!!!!

Excellent performance, great music! A great way to spend the afternoon!

Beautiful performance. Loved the live orchestra. Loved the costumes. Only negative was that they ran out of programs yet the theater was only 75% full.

Orchestra, especially percussionist was amazing. Solid dance performance.

Nothing better in New York. Should include the Chamber Orchestra for at least one performance each season!

Oh my goodness this premiere ballet by Balanchine was magical, mesmerizing, haunting , and beautiful. The choreography and fluidity of movement was so very ethereal. It was a magnificent performance.

first and third acts were awesome!!! As always: the venue is awesome!!

Excellent show great venue, perfect seats (front center) can not say enough greatness about performance. Immediately bought tickets to see Sleeping Beauty after leaving. Will recommend to anyone.

While all three pieces were beautiful, In the Gray was spectacular. Would see again.

This performance was spectacular! Bolero choreography was so creative and fun. We really enjoyed it!

I had such a wonderful afternoon with the Carolina Ballet! I got an amazing seat and saw some spectacular dancing up close. There are 2 intermissions between the 3 pieces all centered around the music of Ravel. I enjoyed the creativity of the 2nd and 3rd pieces especially. Their on-stage personality and talent was matched by their technical execution. This show is a crowd pleaser!

The 3 Ravel pieces were pleasant music. The Carolina Ballet dancers were very good. But best of all was the choreography of "A Day at the Beach". I was told Bolero could be very boring because it repeats a theme over & over. But the choreography was so compelling, there was never a dull moment. I was so glad I decided to go. It was worth every penny. The surprise of the choreography may be best the first time around, but the memory of it's wonder will last forever. The two other pieces were icing on the cake. What a delightful day out.

This was my fourth time attending the ballet in Raleigh and it was easily the best production that I have seen from the Carolina Ballet. However, it was way too hot in the theater. Most people were using their programs as fans.

A beautiful performance of this Shakespeare classic. Costuming was amazing!

Worth seeing!!! It was a great venue, the performance was amazing, and the amtompshere was great!

I loved sitting near the front; the great seats were definitely worth the extra dollars. The ballet and music were enchanting. It was a magical and very festive way to help celebrate the Holidays.

We always enjoy the performances by the Carolina Ballet. We are never disappointed. The Nutcracker is sure to get you into the Christmas spirit!

Wonderful evening! First time to see the ballet with my son-in-law and he enjoyed it, too. Pace was perfect and the lead children danced beautifully.

I've seen The Nutcracker perhaps 20 times, and this performance was, by far, the most uplifting and enjoyable of all. We will definitely be attending again next year.

I love how magic was brought into the production and the shrinking effect of Claire was fantastic!

We had a wonderful time watching The Nutcracker. Our seats provided a perfectly clear view of the stage, and we could not have asked for a better experience to see the ballet performance!

My 13th visit to the ballet For this performance, Love it!

Loved the performance . Granddaughter did too. Amazing talent.

I transferred tickets to my grandson and his girl as Christmas present. They truly enjoyed every minute of show, talked about it for hours at dinner

The show was beautiful - a unique spin on this classic ballet. It's very kid-friendly - Herr Dosselmeyer as a magician is a brilliant touch. Including boys and having male principal dancers take on larger roles is a great way to let boys see that dance is not just for girls. One big disappointment was the venue. We were seated in Section E in the Orchestra and had a clear backstage view. It really took us out of the experience to see the performers waiting in the wings and watching dancers take sips from their water bottles.

The performers are fabulous and there were some pretty sweet magic tricks. The sets were brilliant and the duke performing arts center is spectacular. Definitely something to experience with the whole family!

Kids love this show. Take the whole family. Kids love this show. Take the whole family.

My husband and I drove up from Ocean Isle Beach to see this matinee performance. It was done superbly from the opening act by the comedian, to be the costumes, the music and, of course, the dancing. I've seen the Nutcracker many times over the years, in many venues and this was by far the best. Every single one of the kids was talented! That does not happen often. The principals were amazing and I still can't get over the costumes. Well done!

Carolina Ballet Presents The Nutcracker was our family's first experience with the ballet. We were all very happy we went (even my deer-season-camo-clad husband actually enjoyed himself). Our daughters are 14 and 16, and they seemed to be enchanted with the beauty and grace - and silliness - of the show. I enjoyed the bit of magic-show tossed in. We all agreed the kids participating in the ballet were what really made it fun; they did such a fantastic job. I can't imagine all the hours of practice all the dancers must have to do! Their hard work and commitment shine through their performances!

What a magical amazing evening we had at the Nutcracker. The stage design was mesmerizing, and beautiful dancers. We always enjoy coming back to see the Nutcracker as our annual Christmas Family tradition!

For a man's first time to the ballet, it was awesome. I went in thinking it would be boring but was left thinking the complete opposite. This is serious. I watch football 4 out of 7 days a week. Ask my wife. Nutcracker - great show.

I have performed Handel's "Messiah" onstage in choruses, and in the audience in "sing-alongs" and was intrigued by its presentation as a ballet. I expected excerpts of the better known parts, and was pleasantly surprised to discover that the entire "Messiah" was performed, with vignettes interpreting each section of the libretto. It was also performed with a superb, live, off-stage chamber orchestra, soloists and chorus, so one could concentrate on the visual aspects. The staging was minimalist, with evocative costumes. The first act was staged as a late 18th/early 19th century church service with a priest in a cassock, and parishoners; the second act described the Passion, and the third act, the Resurrection. The Carolina Ballet has excellent soloists, although the corps de ballet is a little rough around the edges, without the precision and synchrony of more experienced companies, and several technical errors were evident during the performance. While recognizing their economic constraints and priorities, permormances like this, with live music, adds so much more than pre-recorded accompaniment. Handel's "Messiah" has long been a holiday standard, although usually as "just" a musical performance. The ballet adds the interpretive visual element, making it even more special.I recommend it highly.

Except for the bass soloist, he vocalists we re sub par. Especially the soprano. Very weak and cracking voice

We've attended 5 or 6 of these Carolina Ballet "Messiah". They're a joy to see and to hear. Thank you Robert Weiss, the dancers, Alfred Sturgis, the Orchestra, and the Chorale. It always tenderly moves me.

Beautiful performance. Amazing music. It was a refreshing change during the holiday season

all 3 ballets we saw were great, Lady in the White Veil, The Raven and Legend of Sleepy Hollow....The Raven was our favorite!

I took my daughter to this. We enjoyed it. First debut, so it was a pretty simple production. My daughter enjoyed the "Lady in the White Veil" the most, of it had the neatest special effect and the ending really made it. My favorite was "The Raven" really enjoyable, great interpretation of the poem, nice set, and best choreograph. The main event of sleepy hollow was just ok but shows alot of potential. I think It will only get better as this becomes a Halloween tradititon.

I loved the performance of Lady in the Veil, The Raven, and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. It was very appropriate to the season, and beautifully performed. I also enjoyed the small theater. We bought last-minute tickets on the front row and were even able to see the expressions on the dancers' faces. We'll definitely go back, and in fact, have already bought tickets for the Messiah.

Delightful way to spend an afternoon. The dancing was superb and the stories compelling from the Lady in White s stroll through the audience, the mysterious spirit playing piano, the chilling Raven or the delightful Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Would heartily recommend this for all ages.

Sleepy Hollow and its preceding shows were amazing. This was my first experience seeing a ballet and I really enjoyed myself. I loved The Raven in particular, but Sleepy Hollow was also delightfully spooky and very much put me in the Halloween spirit. It was all beautifully executed and I can't wait to go to another show.

It was incredible! We had a great time. It was a wonderful experience.

Absolutely fantastic. Staging, dancing, music were all first rate.

I rank Carmen with Messiah, Romeo Juliet, and Firebird. They were all excellent. Lilyan was fantastic! Chamber orchestra was great again.

We saw Carolina Ballet presents Rhapsody In Blue which was amazing and also the other three ballets were amazing also. We don't remember another time when we saw all the performances and they were amazing. The choreography, the music, the costumes and the dancers were truly amazing ... thanks!

I was thoroughly disappointed not only because I couldn't find parking but also because I was not enthralled enough to stay awake. I thought this performance would be entertaining and mesmerizing. It was quite the opposite. Needles to say, I will not be recommending this show to anyone lest they're looking to have a good nap and burn gratuitous amounts of fuel just trying to find proper parking to get into the venue.

Robert Weiss' choreography was brilliant, truly bringing each season to life, making for an unforgettable performance. While each act was amazing, Summer and Winter truly stood out. Another delight by this talented company. After each performance, I can't wait for the next!

Fabulous and entertaining performance. Took my 12 year old daughter as an introduction to the ballet and she walked away loving it!

I expected a ballet but got a children's show instead. There were maybe two scenes that were actually enjoyable to watch. The main issues I have with this ballet is that they use a narrated sound track rather than an orchestra. Also, a few of the performers actually sang/spoke, which I was not expecting in a ballet. I'm sure it's a great show if you have children and want to introduce them to ballet, but I don't recommend if you're an adult hoping to enjoy a little nostalgia.

The performance was awesome. Enjoyed is very much.

Perfect venue for a smaller show. Every seat seemed to have a good view. However, I booked my tickets late and paid twice what my friends paid. Not to mention, nobody told me that it was a "likeness" of The Little Mermaid. There wasn't even a Flounder!! There was a swordfish. What a disappointment. Definitely not worth the money I paid per ticket. I left at intermission.

This was my sister's and I's first time getting to see a ballet of this expertise and level. We were very excited and weren't disappointed. Both acts awed us. I especially loved the scenery and costumes for A Midsummer Night's Dream. It was a night full of wonder, laughs, and magic. I'm very excited to see other ballets performed by the Carolina ballet.

First time at the ballet and it was fantastic !! Great seats and everyone was very friendly and helpful.

The show was great. RMC is a beautiful venue. The dancers were exquisite.

A Midsummer Night's Dream was very colorful and entertaining. This is a good intro ballet for those looking to dip their foot into the ballet world.

Carolina Ballet production of A Midsummer Night's Dream was beautifully down. The dancers were professionals. This ballet is humerous and easy to follow. Also included in the production was an original work to Handel's Water Music. Well worth my time and money. I will be back for more Carolina Ballet productions.

MacBeth by the Carolina Ballet during the May 1 matinee performance was an exquisite blend of theater and dance set to an impeccable musical arrangement. The entire experience was more than I could have ever expected from the scenery to the absolute dedication of each dancer to character. There was no need for words as you were drawn into each scene by mystical combinations of expressions and movements, darkness and light, angles and symmetry and passion, lust, fate, murder and insanity. From the moment Randi Osetek's sleek arms stretched up from the smoke as the breathtaking goddess of witchcraft until she beckoned the new young king away, the stage was filled with performances that rivaled any such on any other stage, including NYC. It was all I could do not to run into the streets of Durham and sell tickets for a full house for the evening show, amazed that there were any seats available in the afternoon. CB Artistic Director Robert Weiss should be commended for bringing so much of this talent together as part of a commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare. I overheard during intermission that these artists are trying to gain attention and raise funds. And then I read the program where they promote the CB as world class. Indeed it is. And the entire state should be taking note at this unique combination of excellence. This was a performance for anyone to enjoy and exemplified the arts in entirety. Laura O'Brien was phenomenal in her performance as Lady MacBeth. Her crowning scene was during the celebration dance as she wore her very own crown. She was captivating, swelling with arrogance and dismissing all shame in every movement of every limb and expression. The world was hers for the moment. All hers. You could feel her pride and smoldering defiance of anything that would get in her way. The most talent to be found on stage was Margaret Severin-Hansen. She was completely engaged in character, and you simply transformed with her, feeling as if you too could float into the depths of her despair in the mourning dance of the murder of the kIng. The scenes with Richard Krusch and Severin-Hansen were truly the highlights of the entire ballet, as dreadful as they were in emotion - they were equally compelling and crafted in sheer passion and skill. They both released every ounce of energy into the dance, sharing the anguish and disbelief that overwhelmed them and that they shared intimately. The only disappointment was with the full company choreography, which never seemed to be quite in sync. This was a distraction that intensified as the ballet progressed. In particular, the Witches' Coven was miserably out of step and alignment in most every scene; the dancers themselves were not well proportioned with each other and seemingly not focused on where any of the others were on stage at any given point for too much of the time. Arms were not extended equally; fingers were not extended and pointed exactly, and for the most part the ladies looked sloppy. A few looked as if they would rather be somewhere else - perhaps they should be because it brought the others down. Still, none of that took away from the brilliance of the entire show! And I am a CB fan now forever. I encourage all DPAC patrons to see a performance as well as anyone who may read this. Indeed, the NC Ballet is world class. Do not miss seeing the Carolina Ballet. Once you do, you won't have to be convinced nor reminded to go again.

Perhaps this is because I'm not a ballet aficionado, but this ballet was very boring. The music was essentially the same throughout the entire performance. Same goes for the dancing - it all looked very similar. Some of the sets were neat, but we ended up leaving before the performance was even over since it seemed so repetitive. Don't waste your time or money. Go see a musical instead.

One of the best ballets i've seen. Carolina Ballet did a wonderful job.

Wow! This unique adaptation of the play as a ballet is definitely a success! With wonderful music and clever visualization of plot, relationships, and setting, it was really transporting! And the Carolina Ballet gave a tremendous performance with beautiful, powerful, and graceful dance and transporting character interpretation. It was so worth the price of admission.

I'm not a fan of ballet and have only attended one prior to this - The Nutcracker, but the debut production of Macbeth sounded interesting so I bought tickets. Everything about this production surpassed my expectations: the dancing, the scenery, the costumes, the music! It was absolutely wonderful in every way.

Spectacular! This production moved young and old in my family. The most enjoyable ballet I've ever experienced!

The costumes were great the gowns just floated in the air The rugged stone staging was very interesting how they moved it around. The music was beautiful . I can't say enough for the skill and talent of the dancers. All that said, that is why we stayed to the end. The story being told was in no way like the one William Shakespeare wrote. Shakespeare's opening scene is of the three witches meeting over a boiling kettle, discussing the fate of Macbeth. This play began with a beautiful dance by a young woman dressed in gossamer flowing down. It was a beautiful performance, however I missed the point as to what she was. The three witches were more like the Flying Nun with white floating head gear similar to a nun's. As I said before, the gowns were beautiful flowing things, however hardly what was worn in Northern Scotland. Scotland has a harsh climate more attuned to heavy knits and furs. In spite of not being able to follow the story line we enjoyed a beautiful well put together performance.