May 4, 2023 (Jupiter, Fla.) — Paris Ballet is pleased to bring another dynamic performance to Palm Beach County. An Incredible Mixed Bill will take place on Saturday, May 27 (7 p.m.)at the Kravis Center on the main stage at Dreyfoos Hall.
The prestigious Jupiter school, founded by former international professional dancer Jean-Hugues Feray in 2009, will feature selections from beloved ballets including Swan Lake, Paquita, and much more.
This year, the show will also highlight special guest performances by Paris Ballet alumni and Palm Beach County natives, Sebastian Bondar and Mario Mery, both of whom won and progressed to finals two years ago at the annual international Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) dance competition (often referred to as the “Olympics of ballet” due to the high level of training necessary to compete).
“Our May performance gives Paris Ballet students the opportunity to showcase many impressive works that they’ve added to their repertoire while at our school,” said Feray. “We are also especially excited to welcome Sebastian and Mario—these two dancers are stars in the making, and I am so proud of them and all our incredibly talented students.”
About the guest performers
Sebastian Bondar (17) is currently on a full scholarship in the pre-professional 2 division with Houston Ballet. He was recently selected to perform in the company’s main production of Romeo and Juliet, and was one of two in his division to be selected. In the past, he won the YAGP semi-finals (while attending Paris Ballet). He was also selected to compete in the 2021 final round. Bondar began dancing at Paris Ballet as a beginner around age 12. He will be performing the “Grand Pas Classique Pas de Deux” with Paris Ballet student Isabella Gutierrez.
Mario Mery (17) is currently attending the Rock School for Dance Education in Philadelphia on a full-ride scholarship. Mery started dancing at Paris Ballet at age 6 and placed in the top three at the YAGP semi-finals twice. He was also selected to participate in the finals several times while with Paris Ballet. He was recently offered a place at Ballet West as a trainee on a full-tuition scholarship next season. Mery will be performing in Paquita with Paris Ballet student Endia Banks.
“This is the perfect show for dance lovers of all ages who want to enjoy a live performance, celebrate the next generation of dance artists, and support Palm Beach County’s dance community,” Feray said.
A native of France, Feray served as a principal dancer with many international companies, including Ballet Florida and the French National Ballet. With both his school and conservatory, he and his staff focus on teaching ballet in its purest, original French form, in addition to other forms of dance.
An Incredible Mixed Bill takes place May 27 at 7 p.m. in the Dreyfoos Hall at the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (701 Okeechobee Boulevard in West Palm Beach). Tickets start at $14. For tickets, call the Kravis Center box office at (561) 832-7469 or visit kravis.org.
A special discount is also available through the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County’s MOSAIC (Month of Shows, Art, Ideas, and Culture) promotion.
Calendar item
Paris Ballet presents An Incredible Mixed Bill
Date: Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 7 p.m.
Description: Enjoy a spectacular evening of dance with Paris Ballet featuring world-renowned ballets, including the Swan Lake Suite, Paquita Pas de Deux, Grand Pas Classique Pas de Deux, Peasant Pas de Deux (Giselle – Act 1), and Dying Swan (choreography staged by Jean-Hugues Feray after Marius Petipa).
Location: Dreyfoos Hall at The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
About Paris Ballet and Dance
Paris Ballet and Dance was founded in 2009 by Jean-Hugues Feray, a native of France and former principal dancer with many international companies, including Ballet Florida and the French National Ballet. Located in Jupiter, Fla., the school offers world-class dance training for students starting at age three. With a stellar reputation for quality, exceptional master classes and top-notch training in ballet, jazz, tap and modern, the school draws 100 students per year from as far as Vero Beach, Lake Worth Beach and Wellington. The school is also home to the prestigious not-for-profit Paris Ballet America, an elite accelerated training program for students preparing for professional dance careers. For more about Paris Ballet and Dance and Paris Ballet America, call (561) 308-8377 or visit parisballetdance.com.