Alberta Ballet is delighted to announce the world premiere of a new contemporary ballet creation, CLASS ACTS – A Tribute to Hollywood Musicals. This new work by Artistic Director Jean Grand-Maître will be performed in Calgary at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium May 1-3 and in Edmonton at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium May 9-10.

CLASS ACTS – A Tribute to Hollywood Musicals pays tribute to the magical era of Hollywood musicals from the 1930s and 1940s, featuring the legendary recordings of some of the greatest artists of all time, including Frank Sinatra, Fred Astaire, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat ‘King’ Cole, Ginger Rogers, Gene Kelly, and a tribute to Charlie Chaplin. Travel back to Hollywood’s golden age as a maverick movie director, played by acclaimed Calgary actor Stephen Hair, is followed filming a series of breathtaking dance sequences. These dynamic and upbeat dance creations will feature spectacular ensemble numbers, powerful solos and romantic duets.

"I have always wanted to create a ballet that would be a tribute to the brilliant Hollywood musicals of the past. I have the greatest respect and admiration for the prodigious dancers and choreographers of that era. With this tribute I’m finally having the opportunity to pay homage to their innovative brilliance," says Jean Grand-Maître.

Joining Jean Grand-Maître in the creation of this world premiere is an internationally acclaimed team of designers, with set design by Scott Reid, costume design by Anne-Séguin Poirier, lighting design by Pierre Lavoie, sound design by Dewi Wood and video installation by Adam Larsen.

Tickets for shows in Calgary and Edmonton start at $29 and are available by phone at 403- 245-4549 in Calgary, 780-428-6839 in Edmonton or online at ticket.albertaballet.com.