'Star Wars' ballet makes debut in western Michigan
MUSKEGON, Mich. (AP) — A ballet based on "Star Wars" has made its debut at a western Michigan theater.
The Star Wars Tribute Ballet was performed Saturday at the Frauenthal Center in Muskegon. The performance featured characters such as Princess Leia, Han Solo and Yoda, and music from composer John Williams. Many young audience members dressed as their favorite characters from the series.
The production's choreography was done by Sean France, a former soloist in the Royal Swedish Ballet. He told The Muskegon Chronicle that he treated it like a classical ballet, taking a big story and letting performers tell it through dance.
The ballet featured 40 performers, young and old, from France's school, and it took nine months to plan and prepare.
"We had to go through all the movies to find the right music to tell the story of the last three movies, and keeping it seamless and short," he said.
France said there are "some kinks to work out," and that he wants to add a duet with Han Solo and Princess Leia.
There are plans to take the ballet on the road, France said. Two performances are being scheduled in the Muskegon area.
