Movements and rhythms associated with dance are as old as time itself, with infinite varieties and styles found the world over. American contributions to this art form have revolutionized the dance world—from Martha Graham, considered to be one of the pioneers of Modern Dance; to George Balanchine, the “father of American Ballet.” America also saw the development of Jazz Dance as a distinctly American art form on Broadway, whose history is intertwined with the evolution of Tap Dance and the beloved Fred Astaire’s celebrated contributions. A list of America’s dance classics includes: Aaron Copeland’s Rodeo, Agnes de Mille’s choreography for Oklahoma!, Martha Graham’s extraordinary body of work, and George Balanchine’s legacy with the New York City Ballet.

For its debut in 2008, The Gettysburg Festival ~ Celebrating America announces a Gala Festival Opening featuring The Suzanne Farrell Ballet, under the Artistic Direction of Suzanne Farrell, and The Gettysburg Festival Orchestra, conducted by Charles Prince, Gettysburg Festival Music Director. The program honors George Balanchine, "the father of American Ballet," with performances of some of his seminal works including the patriotic pas de deux from Stars and Stripes, the comedic and whimsical Slaughter on Tenth Avenue and more. The Suzanne Farrell Ballet, produced by The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, is under the Artistic Direction of Suzanne Farrell, Balanchine’s most celebrated ballerina.

Come experience performances by The Suzanne Farrell Ballet, “Reinventing the art of ballet itself” (Janice Berman for San Francisco Chronicle), in the beautifully-renovated Majestic Theater, the crown jewel in historic downtown Gettysburg.

Events
Print a Full Dance Festival Schedule

VIP Gala Opening Performance and Dinner
The Suzanne Farrell Ballet Celebrates Balanchine
Featuring The Gettysburg Festival Orchestra
The Majestic Theater
Friday, June 20, 2008 ~ 6:30 PM

The Suzanne Farrell Ballet
The Majestic Theater
Saturday, June 21, 2008 ~ 8:00 PM

“And The World Goes ‘Round: The Songs of Kander & Ebb”
Opening Night
Kline Theater ~ Gettysburg College
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 ~ 8:00 PM

“And The World Goes ‘Round: The Songs of Kander & Ebb”
Kline Theater ~ Gettysburg College
Friday, June 27, 2008 ~ 8:00 PM

“And The World Goes ‘Round: The Songs of Kander & Ebb”
Kline Theater ~ Gettysburg College
Saturday, June 28, 2008 ~ 2:00 PM

“And The World Goes ‘Round: The Songs of Kander & Ebb”
Kline Theater ~ Gettysburg College
Sunday, June 29, 2008 ~ 2:00 PM

All artists, repertoire, performance dates, times, venues
are subject to change.