Nevada Ballet Theatre performs ‘Romeo & Juliet,’ ‘Cinderella’ and more

Yes, Las Vegas has culture. Case in point, the Nevada Ballet Theatre, which will celebrate its 44th performance year and its fourth season at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Las Vegas.

The ballet company released its 2015-2016 performance schedule on Tuesday, and it includes a mix of collaborations, contemporary works with original choreography, old favorites and family-friendly shows.
Up first, the eighth annual “A Choreographers’ Showcase” at the Mystere Theatre at Treasure Island. The shows on Oct. 11 and Oct. 18 will bring together the performers in Cirque du Soleil with the ballet troupe featuring choreography generated by the artists themselves.

Choreographer George Balanchine’s works get a special treatment during “A Balanchine Celebration” Nov. 7-8. A trio of the 20th century choreographer’s works — “Serenade,” the first ballet he choreographed in America, “Slaughter on Tenth Avenue,” with Broadway dreams, Russian dancers and the mob, and “Who Cares?” with a soundtrack from George Gershwin — each get their due during two dates.

The Nevada Ballet Theatre brings back its version of “The Nutcracker,” choreographed by the group’s artistic director James Canfield. Eight performances take over the stage Dec. 12-20 with a full orchestra and a cast of more than 100 performers.

Next year brings “Cinderella,” set to Sergei Prokofiev’s score, on Feb. 13-14, 2016. Evil step sisters, a lost shoe, a prince and a happily-ever-after ending are the touchstones of this show.

On March 31 through April 3, the company will open its Summerlin studios for an in-depth look at dance as part of the annual “The Studio Series,” available only to subscribers.

“Romeo & Juliet” closes out the troupe’s season May 14-15, 2016. The performance choreographed by Canfield debuted in Las Vegas in 2013 and tells the Shakespearean tale of feuding families, love and destiny.

Subscriptions to ballet’s 2015-2016 season go for $129.

Tickets: Nevada Ballet Theatre, (702) 749-2000