Delaware Dance Alliance to present 'Pirates of the Caribbean Ballet'

The Delaware Dance Alliance will present a new production, "Pirates of the Caribbean Ballet," based on the first movie of the same name. The ballet combines classical, traditional and contemporary movements; acting; stage combat and sword fighting. Performance will be held at the Schwartz Center for the Arts in Dover at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Saturday, May 12.

"The Pirates of the Caribbean Ballet" follows blacksmith Will Turner and pirate Captain Jack Sparrow as they rescue the kidnapped Elizabeth Swann from the cursed crew of the Black Pearl, captained by Hector Barbossa, while being pursued by the Royal Navy. This ballet version of the 2003 film was a concept designed by artistic director Michele Xiques.

“Creating this ballet has been more of a challenge than even our 'Twilight Ballet' was, because there is much more action, in almost every scene, but we have a wonderful creative team, great volunteers, and extremely dedicated cast members to work with,” said Xiques.

Captain Jack Sparrow is being portrayed by Justen Altschul. Justen has trained in classical ballet and modern dance at First State Academy of Dance in Milford and Koresh in Philadelphia. He is a second degree black belt in Isshinryu Karate, and works as an instructor at Delaware Combat Sports.

The role of Will Turner will be performed by Ian Boyan who has trained locally at Salisbury Studio of Dance and First State Academy of Dance. He has spent summers at the American Academy of Ballet and Washington Ballet. Next season he will be heading to the Pittsburgh Ballet School for its full time pre-professional program on a full scholarship.

Quiaunna Powell joins the cast in the role of Elizabeth Swann. Powell is a locally trained ballet dancer, who spent summers studying in Virginia, Connecticut and Pennsylvania. She was honored to receive a four year scholarship at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, where she graduated with a BFA in ballet.

Kole Loftin will appear as Commodore James Norrington. Kole has appeared in many local productions with Sussex Ballet, Sussex Central High School, Rehoboth Theater of the Arts, and Delaware Dance Alliance. He has choreographed productions for his high school drama club, and taught at Sussex Dance Academy. Kole has won several awards and scholarships, and is currently attending the University of the Arts, majoring in dance. These talented young people lead a cast of more than 40 performers. They are trained in various forms of dance, martial arts, stage combat and acting.

The Delaware Dance Alliance is a new company founded in the summer of 2010 by Xiques. It premiered the first ever full length ballet based on the popular "Twilight" series in the spring of 2011, combining local and professional dancers, actors, and martial artists. In the fall of 2011, they coupled with the Smooth Sounds Dance Band to present an evening of jazz, and their production of Duke Ellington’s "Nutcracker."

Xiques majored in dance at Point Park College, became an equity actor, and performed with Atlanta Ballet, and Empire State Ballet in New York. She is currently the owner of First State Dance Academy in Milford. Michelle Parisi, who has performed professionally in both classical and modern dance companies, is the assistant director. She became a staff member at FSAD, after closing her dance studio, Zwaanendael Dance Academy, in 2009.

Both women have many years of experience performing, teaching, choreographing, and directing dance companies. Mark Parisi is the fight choreographer and acting coach for the company. He is a fifth degree black belt and world competitor. He has been certified in stage combat, with a degree in acting and directing from Montclair State University. Parisi returns to the stage this season as Captain Barbossa.

In keeping with their mission to work with other arts organizations, Delaware Dance Alliance has invited the Delaware Ballet to join them for this performance. After the matinee performance only, Delaware Ballet will be presenting a sneak preview of their 2013 production of "Cinderella," choreographed by artistic director, Dan Kaiser. There is no additional cost for this extra delight, which can only been seen at the matinee show.

Tickets for this performance can be purchased at schwartzcenter.com, at 302-678-5152, or at the Schwartz Center for the Arts at 226 S. State St. in Dover. Box office hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,  Monday through Friday.  Ticket prices are $20 for adults and $15 for seniors and students. A 10 percent group discount rate for 15 or more seats is available for the matinee show.