Berks Ballet Theatre Presents a Classic Fairy Tale, “The Sleeping Beauty Suite,” & Tea Party May 13 at 2:00 p.m.

The Sleeping Beauty Suite is a perfect way to ring in Mother’s Day weekend.
The Ballet Company will also host “Aurora's Tea,” a pre-performance event for families to enjoy a light lunch, sweet treats and character meet-and-greets May 13 at 12:00 p.m.

Reading, Pennsylvania – May 4, 2023 – Berks Ballet Theatre (BBT) will mount an adapted production of the classical ballet, “Sleeping Beauty.” The Sleeping Beauty Suite will close out the ballet company’s 47th season with a captivating, condensed rendition of the iconic ballet that brings together the major highlights of this enchanting story. In this captivating adaptation, experience the beauty of Princess Aurora's journey from her christening and the curse of Carabosse to the awakening kiss of true love. Witness breathtaking choreography, dazzling costumes, and a dynamic display of talent that will delight audiences of all ages.

Aaron Smyth, a well-known dancer hailing from Los Angeles will join the company in the ballet’s leading male position, Prince Desire. Area audiences last saw Smyth perform the role of Cavalier in BBT’s The Nutcracker last December. Smyth is best known for his associations with American Ballet Theatre II In New York, The Royal Ballet in London and The Joffrey Ballet in Chicago as well as being an original cast member in London's West End production of An American In Paris. Smyth also played the role of the Snow Cavalier in Disney’s The Nutcracker and the Four Realms feature film dancing with Misty Copeland.

Saaya Pikula Mason will also join the cast performing in the title role of Princess Aurora. Pikula Mason hails from Niigata, Japan and has performed many soloist and principle roles with various ballet companies. With the Columbia Classical Ballet company and Virginia National Ballet respectively, she performed various roles including Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker, Mimi in the world premiere of La Boheme, Jasmine in the Premiere of Aladdin, Soloist in Bohemian Rhapsody, the title role of Snow White, the title role in the world premiere of Aida, and more.

Rounding out the cast of professional dancers is Erik Campos of First State Ballet, performing the role of Bluebird.

Choreography by BBT’s Artistic Director, Kelly Barber, and Ballet Master and Resident Choreographer, Nathan Bland (and inspired by Maurice Petipa), will be performed by BBT’s 19 company dancers and 15 students from the company’s namesake, Berks Ballet Theatre Conservatory of Dance. BBT company soloists in this spring's ballet include Jessica Bealer (a Reading High School Junior) who will dance the role of the Lilac Fairy; Christina Kopecky (an Exeter High School Senior) who will dance the role of Carabosse; Faith Hartman (an Exeter High School Freshman) who will dance the role of Princess Florine; Kaia Kantner (a Berks Catholic High School Senior) who will dance the role of Little Red Riding Hood.

The Sleeping Beauty Suite is the perfect introduction to the world of ballet for those seeking a magical experience. Audiences can expect to be swept away by the charm and elegance of this classic fairy tale happening at 2:00 p.m. at Miller Center for the Arts at 4 N 2nd St, Reading, PA 19601.

For tickets and additional information, visit BerksBalletTheatre.com or call (610) 373-7577.

About Berks Ballet Theatre
Berks Ballet Theatre (BBT) is a non-profit 501(c)3 pre-professional ballet company whose primary purpose is to provide serious dancers the best possible forum of training and performance in classical and contemporary dance in Southeastern Pennsylvania. BBT was founded by Carol Ennis in 1976 with the philosophy that given the training and opportunity, the child next door could grow up to be anything they wanted, including a dancer in any major professional ballet company. BBT dancers have gone on to work professionally with Richmond Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet, Ballet Theatre of Annapolis, The Suzanne Farrell Ballet, Ballet North Texas and Broadway National Tours. BBT’s studios are within The GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, located in downtown Reading. Learn more at BerksBalletTheater.com/company.

Media Contact
Lee Singletary (215) 859-3423
Lee@berksballettheatre.com

Media Resources:
Promotional Flyer: https://berksballettheatre.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/BBT-Sleeping-BeautyFlyer.jpg
Aaron Smyth Headshot: https://berksballettheatre.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/aaronsmyth.jpeg
Saaya Pikula Mason Headshot: https://berksballettheatre.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SaayaPikula-Mason.jpg