Sarasota Ballet: Cojocaru, Kobborg to perform 'Giselle'

The Sarasota Ballet is pleased to announce that two of the most famous dancers in the world, Alina Cojocaru and Johan Kobborg, will be Principal Guest Artists for the 2009-2010 Season which premieres with a new production of ‘Giselle’ on November 27, 2009 in the Sarasota Opera House.

Cojocaru, promoted to principal by Sir Anthony Dowell after her first performance in the title role of ‘Giselle’ with The Royal Ballet in London, is widely considered the most inspiring dancer in today’s international ballet world to take the role. An April 29, 2009 New York Times review of a London performance of ‘Giselle’ noted, “For an improbably long time, showers of blooms rained down on Alina Cojocaru after her performance of “Giselle” at the Royal Opera House last week.”

Kobborg, former principal of The Royal Danish Ballet and now principal of The Royal Ballet and Cojocaru’s partner, is equally renowned as one of the leading male dancers today. He has been the recipient of numerous prizes and awards, including the Nureyev International Competition (Grand Prix 1994), USA International Competition, Jackson, USA (Grand Prix 1994) and the Erik Bruhn Competition (1993) and received a 2006 Laurence Olivier Award nomination for his production of La Sylphide.

Cojocaru and Kobburg’s unique partnership and artistry have captured the hearts of audiences all around the world where they have made guest appearances, including dancing with the Mariinsky Ballet, Bolshoi Ballet, La Scala Ballet, National Ballet of Canada, Hamburg Ballet, Stuttgart Ballet, Vienna State Opera Ballet and Teatro San Carlo, Naples, to name a few.

For the Sarasota Ballet Season Premiere, Cojocaru and Kobborg will be dancing in a new production of what is arguably the most famous romantic ballet of all time, which has been created by another one of the world’s great Giselles, Margaret Barbieri. At the peak of her career with The Sadler’s Wells Royal Ballet, Barbieri flew all over the world as guest in countless productions of ‘Giselle’ including Houston Ballet.
Barbieri will draw on her artistry and depth of understanding of this timeless ballet to create a fresh new production for the Sarasota Ballet.

“As soon as I heard of the departure of Lauren Strongin I phoned Johan to ask if there was any possibility that he and Alina could come and dance Giselle with the Sarasota Ballet. I am ecstatic that they have agreed to be Guest Artists for the 2009-2010 Season.”
To place your name on the mailing list for information about the entire season, please contact the Sarasota Ballet at (941) 359-0099 ext. 102 Or visit www.SarasotaBallet.org.

GISELLE
November 27 – 29, 2009 - Sarasota Opera House
A new production of the most famous of all the Romantic Ballets
Friday, November 27, 8 PM
Saturday, November 28, 2 PM & 8 PM
Sunday, November 29, 2 PM