The Friends University Ballet program has established itself as a regional leader and outstanding program of excellence. Under the direction of Stan K. Rogers, the BFA degree in Ballet is one of only a handful in the nation. Come and enjoy the traditions of our fall and spring ballets and our annual production of "The Nutcracker."

FALL BALLET
Oct. 8-9, 2010 @ 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 10, 2010 @ 2 p.m.
Sebits Auditorium
$15 adults, $12 senior citizens/students
The Fall Ballet brings back the beloved "The Firebird." First performed in 1911, "The Firebird" is a story-ballet based on a Russian fairy tale. Set to Stravinsky’s brilliant score, the stage comes to life with a magical bird, a prince, princesses and an evil witch. "The Firebird" is one of Friends University Ballet’s breakthrough pieces.

The Friends University Ballet Department will also present a new ballet, "Colours," by Stan K. Rogers, director of the Ballet Department. The ballet will be representational of the primary colors and use of contemporary and neo-classical music.

BALLET WITH WICHITA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Nov. 2-4, 2010 @ 9:45 a.m. and 10:50 a.m.
Century II Concert Hall
For tickets, please contact the Wichita Symphony Orchestra Box Office at 316-267-7658.
The Friends University Ballet Department will combine with the Wichita Symphony Orchestra to perform for the Young People’s Concerts.

THE NUTCRACKER
Dec. 10-11, 2010 @ 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 12, 2010 @ 2 p.m.
Dec. 17-18, 2010 @ 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 19, 2010 @ 2 p.m.
Sebits Auditorium
$15 adults, $12 senior citizens/students
Friends University and Wichita Ballet Theatre present the full-length holiday favorite "The Nutcracker," featuring local dancers and ballet majors at Friends University.

The male guest artist for Dec. 10-12 will be Dominic Walsh of Dominic Walsh Dance Theatre. Dec. 17-19 performances will feature guest artists Wendy Whelan and Philip Neal, principal dancers with The New York City Ballet.

SPRING BALLET
March 4-5, 2011 @ 7:30 p.m.
March 6, 2011 @ 2 p.m.
Sebits Auditorium
$15 adults, $12 senior citizens/students
The Spring Ballet will consist of new works for the Ballet Department. Valse Fantasy with choreography by George Balanchine of the New York City Ballet will be featured. This is a ballet that is still performed by the New York City Ballet (NYCB) and will be staged for Friends Ballet by former NYCB dancer Shawn Stevens. Former graduate Melonie Buchanan Murray will be choreographing a new contemporary ballet. She has won many awards for her choreography and is currently on the dance faculty at Mesa State University in Mesa, Colorado. Stan Rogers will be choreographing a new ballet and another guest choreographer is scheduled, as well. The Spring Ballet is sure to be an exciting and diverse performance.