Bruce Wells has always understood what it takes to make a ballet truly spectacular. Snow White returns to Atlanta Ballet in all its splendor from none other than the internationally acclaimed choreographer Bruce Wells. Atlanta Ballet spoke with Wells about bringing the magic of ballet alive for audiences and inspiring the next generation of dancers.

After dancing with the New York City Ballet under the direction of George Balanchine, Wells’ ballets have since graced the repertoires of many prestigious ballet companies throughout the ages. His works have been performed on the stages of Atlanta Ballet, Boston Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, and Dance Theatre of Harlem.

Throughout his 50 years of choreographing, Wells has never stopped teaching. In fact, it was at Boston Ballet in 1985 that Wells produced the first iteration of Snow White that would later serve as the blueprint for subsequent Family Ballets. "Ballet is still so new to so many generations," Wells shared, so he centered his work on how to connect with the audience itself.

Wells knew how to craft a ballet, but his goal was bigger: to make it interesting to audiences of all ages and experiences. He understood that introducing families to the centuries-old art form required intentional effort.

His family ballets are designed to be comprehensive introductions to the entire theatrical world, exposing audiences to every element of the production, including set design, costume design, lighting design, and the musical score. “I hope the young audience members will take away the sheer joy of attending the theatre.”

Instead of static backdrops, Snow White will feature stunning scenic elements and mobile set pieces that actively enhance the storytelling and help viewers easily follow the narrative. Snow White’s world comes alive as the stage seamlessly transforms, transporting you instantly from the grandeur of the royal kingdom to the depths of the enchanted forest and the seven Dwarfs' cozy cottage. Witness Snow White’s journey unfold on stage from the delicate falling snow on the Queen’s window all the way to the unforgettable moment of true love’s kiss.

"Fitting a fairy tale into a one-hour format also means these stories move quickly, and narration is another key factor for accessibility. Wells explains, "I add in the narration to help not only the youngest of audience members, but also for their parents, grandparents, and caregivers who may be attending the ballet for the very first time.”

Our family ballets are performed by Atlanta Ballet 2, Atlanta Ballet’s pre-professional dance company. By showcasing the next generation of highly talented dancers, Atlanta Ballet 2 delivers high-caliber, dynamic performances that keep the ballets accessible for young viewers while simultaneously introducing the dancers to more complex choreography.

Ultimately, Wells’ focus on family ballets is rooted in his belief that the next generation of dancers and enthusiasts are sitting in the audience watching the current generation of dancers. “The excitement of attending a ballet can be very inspiring for a child who dreams of becoming a dancer.” And Wells found his perfect solution with the creation of Snow White. "Having spent my entire life in the ballet world, I found myself wanting to educate an audience on the joys of dance that I have been lucky enough to experience in my own life.”

Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of Snow White, a family-friendly performance of the classic fairy tale, where goodness abounds, true love triumphs, and friendships flourish. This short family ballet is designed specifically for our youngest audiences but can be enjoyed by all!

Ballet is more fun with a group! Check out our exclusive rates for parties of 10 or more that include no per-ticket fees, flexible payment plans, add on options, and dedicated service representatives who will make Snow White your experience unforgettable.

Learn more on our Group Sales page or click below to book with our Group Sales team.