WELCOME TO CHARLOTTE BALLET’S 2022/2023 SEASON

A message from Charlotte Ballet’s Artistic Director Alejandro Cerrudo.

October 2022 marks my sixth month at Charlotte Ballet as the artistic director. Though the time has flown by, I have been able to experience so much at this organization. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing young dancers grow and refine their skills through Charlotte Ballet Academy’s programs like Summer Intensive and our professionally led classes. I’ve met the dedicated staff working behind the scenes to ensure our programs and events happen seamlessly. And I’ve cherished the experiences of Charlotte’s vibrant community, seeing the excitement around so many arts festivals and initiatives. But the thing I have been excited for the most is getting to see you again, our Charlotte Ballet family.

Thank you for joining us for our 2022/2023 Season opener, Fall Works. I cannot wait for you all to experience the emotions brought on by Crystal Pite's A Picture of You Falling and the intensity behind the movement of Helen Pickett's IN Cognito. No matter how these works unfold for you, I know you’ll leave humming the tunes of Sugar + the Hi-Lows’ renditions of Johnny Cash's greatest hits in the Charlotte premiere of Charlotte Ballet II Director Christopher Stuart’s Under the Lights. May the music and movements of tonight create new memories with your friends and family that you can cherish for years to come.

Our performances are strengthened by audience members like you. I am grateful you are here today and look forward to sharing more performances with you.

Until next time,

Alejandro Cerrudo Artistic Director

Charlotte Ballet dedicates these performances to Marie Mitchell. An avid supporter of the arts, Marie has been in attendance at every production and event for the past thirty years. In a spirit of generosity, curiosity and creativity over the years, Marie has enabled Charlotte Ballet to present more than 14 new works or internationally acclaimed master works. She had a love for the art form and for our artists, and Marie has been instrumental in shaping what Charlotte Ballet is today. She will be missed greatly.