Press Release, for use after Jan 1st 2024
Learning is Magical
ZarYevka Ballet is getting ready to release it's newest and biggest project: a 10 episode children's series. "Sugar Plum Celeste & the Big Book of Ballet" has been licensed by OTT Studio, Reveel TV, and Amazon Prime Video, and will be available Jan 1st, 2024.
As the name implies, it's a ballet-themed series. "In the Land of the Sweets, an all-too-human Sugar Plum Fairy attempts to teach herself ballet from a magical book, to the amusement of her puppet and pirate friends." Each episode is 22 minutes long, and follows the adventures of Celeste as she grapples with a tricky new skill set in her Enchanted Garden. Spectacular visuals, puppets, and (of course) thrilling professional dancing make it a unique offering sure to please young audience members and their grownups alike.
"We wanted to create a story around growth mindset,'' says Aspe, the 38 year old theatre professional. "Talent isn't fixed, it's something you grow and develop. Now that we have daughters, it feels especially important to get that message out." The protagonist makes mistakes, deals with criticism, and has to challenge her own assumptions. It's also a story that celebrates aging, in an industry short on roles for older women. The protagonist's goal is to become a 200 year old Fairy Godmother, and greets new wrinkles with delight as they indicate her progress towards wisdom. "Again," says Aspe, "We have daughters."
Film is a new medium for the ZarYevka team, but they are old hands at making magical family-friendly shows. Since 2011, ten full-length shows have delighted school age audiences, including The Jabberwocky, which was seen live by more than 30,000 kids around BC. Humorous narration, puppets, and thoughtful storylines make each ZarYevka show a full theatre experience. This newest project is no exception. "We got a little carried away on production," laughs Aspe. "But nothing had to fit into a tour van this time!"
Aspe says her favorite aspect was collaborating. Jeff Wannop created and performed the puppets, and was involved in virtually every creative aspect. Voiceover artist Sarah Nichols has been "The Voice" of ZarYevka shows since the beginning, and career musician Patrick Courtin created the musical cues. "They literally brought the show to life. I'd say "script attached" and they'd come back with something that was The Vision a hundredfold. It was uncanny sometimes."
Are there more film productions ahead? "Oh, probably! More film, more live performance too. I miss that. But first I think we need a little holiday."
"Sugar Plum Celeste & the Big Book of Ballet" is will be available Jan 1st, 2024 in Canada at ReveelTV.net in the Kids Corner - Live Action Shows. In the USA, you can find it on Amazon Prime Video.
ZarYevka Ballet is a dance-based theatre company specializing in Young Audiences. We use humor, delight, and wonder to deliver powerful stories through a combination of theatre arts and spectacular visuals. ZarYevkaBallet@gmail.com
For Press Use Only - Downloadable Photos, Video Link:
ZarYevkaBallet@gmail.com