The American Ballet

About The Americana Ballet: This timeless love story truly comes to life with the charming ballet and Smith’s singular songs. The Gift of the Magi featuring Svalander-Begley’s choreography first premiered as a shorter piece for full ensemble in 2001 in the “Winter Magic” holiday program at the Raue Center of the Arts in Crystal Lake. When presented as a full ballet (NOT this season) the piece features six principal roles performing with ensemble. They are Della, the young wife, Jim, the young husband, Madame Sofronie in New York, an aging uprooted gypsy who buys hair, Sofronie as a young woman in Russia, Sofronie’s Russian Suitor and the sly, deal-making Pawnbroker, all performing with full dance ensemble. Judith'’s Magi collaboration is with Greg Begley, formerly of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Chicago Ballet and Hubbard Street Dance Co. Other guest artists in the ‘03 season include Julie Fiore and Altin Naska and members of the Judith Svalander Concert Dancers.