The ‘Snow Queen’ ballet returns to Glendale for the 14th consecutive year

Experience the magic of the “Snow Queen,” the creator of winter wind and snow, brought to life in a spectacular holiday ballet.

Based on the original story by Hans Christian Andersen, this wintertime tale — presented by California Contemporary Ballet — is a longtime holiday favorite that has played to sold-out Glendale audiences for the past 13 years. This edition of the “Snow Queen” will be staged at the Glendale Community College Theater Dec. 16 through 18.

Audiences can experience the adventures of young Gerda as she sets off to save her best friend Kai and avenge a past tragedy. On the way, she encounters colorful characters such as the Enchantress, Gypsy Girl and Gypsy Boy. One of the show’s highlights is when the prince and princess perform a grand pas de deux.

The creative vision of California Contemporary Ballet’s artistic director and choreographer, Erin Holt, has made the “Snow Queen” ballet a worldclass production featuring the finest lighting and set design, custom hand-sewn costumes and an original musical score by Randall Michael Tobin.

The ballet showcases a wide-ranging and integrated cast of professional dancers and seasoned youth company talent, as well as local community performers.

It all adds up to an extraordinary blend of aerial arts, gymnastics and a rich variety of classical ballet and contemporary dance that spin the emotional story to its surprising and delightful conclusion.

From the most distinguished princess to the tiniest snowflake, the 2011 cast performs with power and passion. The “Snow Queen” has become a local holiday tradition, taking the audience on a transformative journey to the magical realm of the Snow Queen.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www. snowqueenballet.com/home.