Designed especially for families, first time audiences, and curious young imaginations, Once Upon A Time is the perfect introduction to the magical world of classical ballet. This enchanting production combines the power of live music, storytelling, audience participation, and breathtaking dancing.
Guided by an engaging narrator, audiences will journey through some of ballet’s most beloved masterpieces: Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, and more. From enchanted swans and fairytale kingdoms, and magical awakenings, children and adults alike will meet unforgettable characters while discovering the beauty, drama, and excitement that have captivated audiences for generations.
Throughout the performance, the narrator shares fascinating insights into each ballet’s story, characters, and choreography, inviting the audience to participate along the way, making the experience as entertaining as it is educational.
Featuring New Jersey Ballet’s acclaimed artists, Once Upon A Time showcases celebrated pas de deux, dazzling divertissements, and unforgettable highlights from treasured classics. Whether you are discovering ballet for the first time or revisiting cherished favorites, this enchanting production offers a unique opportunity to experience three iconic ballets in one unforgettable performance.
Once Upon A Time: Iconic ballets. One unforgettable performance.
New Jersey Ballet is the resident ballet company at MPAC.
Founded in 1958, New Jersey Ballet has been committed to presenting and expanding ballet to communities throughout New Jersey and beyond for over sixty-five years. The Company has built a reputation for excellence, offering audiences a rich tapestry of performances that showcase both timeless classics and cutting-edge contemporary works.
Since 2021, New Jersey Ballet has been expanding under the artistic leadership of Maria Kowroski. Ms. Kowroski, a former principal dancer at New York City Ballet for twenty-five years, brings her vast experience and vision to New Jersey Ballet. Under her direction, the Company’s repertory has grown to include works by choreographers such as George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, Christopher Wheeldon, Justin Peck, Peter Martins and Gustavao Sansano. Additionally, Ms. Kowroski has commissioned new innovative works by Harrison Ball, a former New York City Ballet principal dancer, and Lauren Lovette, the Resident Choreographer of Paul Taylor Dance Company and former New York City Ballet principal dancer.
Ms. Kowroski’s leadership has elevated New Jersey Ballet to new heights of prominence. The Company has performed at prestigious venues such as Lincoln Center in New York for Dance Against Cancer, Kaatsban in Tivoli, New York and Works in Process at the Guggenheim. These performances have not only showcased the extraordinary talent of New Jersey Ballet’s dancers but also highlighted the Company’s commitment to artistic growth and community engagement.
New Jersey Ballet’s long history is marked by a dedication to providing world-class ballet experiences. Through innovative programming, educational outreach and a steadfast commitment to artistic excellence, New Jersey Ballet continues to inspire and captivate audiences, ensuring a vibrant future for ballet in New Jersey and beyond.
Minimum Age Requirements
All patrons, including small children, must have a ticket to enter the theater. All performances are appropriate for ages 5+ as long as guests are not disruptive to other patrons’ enjoyment of the performance. MPAC’s ushers will ask anyone causing a disturbance during a performance to leave the auditorium and view the performance on the screen in the lobby regardless of age.
