Mormon Tabernacle Choir
to finalize. (For instance, the stage set had to be shipped from England). The result was a North American exclusive run of Sleeping Beauty that coincided with the 400th anniversary of Jamestown Settlement and a visit to Jamestown by the Queen; her husband, Prince Phillip stopped in Norfolk to meet with City officials and BRB dancers. During their time in Norfolk, the dancers really became part of the community, taking advantage of dance classes at Todd Rosenlieb Studio, working out at local gyms, eating in restaurants and partaking in their favorite pastime – shopping. The Virginia Arts Festival also arranged for some tourist time, at museums, the Naval Base and the beach. Indeed, it is the welcome performers receive in Hampton Roads
cities, from festival organzers and audiences to the shop clerk and chance encounters with residents, that make scheduling return visits easier. Virginia International Tattoo: It draws people from throughout the region, the United States and the world (April 29, 30 and May 1) If coordinating one ballet troop is complex, imagine getting 850 performers from seven nations all in one place at one time – for one fun-filled week. Each year, the Virginia International Tattoo is created for five performances in Norfolk (two student matinees and three public performances). It draws people from throughout the region – and is a major draw for bus tours from throughout the country because it is one of the few full-fledged tattoos presented in North America. The Tattoo’s display of military bands, massed pipes and drums, military drill teams, Celtic dancers, choirs, and scores of other performers not only takes over Scope – it takes over downtown Norfolk. The rehearsal and performance schedule is hectic and in addition many groups perform or give master classes in schools. Also, watch for Tattoo cast members appearing in various restaurants and businesses for impromptu performances. New this year, TATTOO Hullabaloo This year the Virginia International Tattoo bursts from the confines of Scope Arena. Prior to each show,
Joshua Bell
the Scope Plaza will come alive with dancers, musicians, and much more, all presenting in trademark Tattoo style. Interact with artists, indulge in food from local vendors, vote in our first-ever audience-judged piping competition, grab a drink from our beer garden – these are only a handful of reasons to “Get Tattooed” two hours earlier in 2011. TATTOO Hullabaloo is free and open to the public and begins at 5:30 pm on April 29 and April 30, and 12:30 on May 1.
Virginia Arts Festival, 2011 This spring, the Virginia Arts Festival celebrates its 15th season with a spectacular array of artists and performances! Festival highlights in Norfolk include: ✔ Dance Theater of Harlem, April 21 ✔ The Music of Michael Jackson, April 22 ✔ Joshua Bell, April 23 ✔ Virginia International Tattoo, April 29,30, May 1 ✔ Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, May 13-15. ✔ Amadeus, May 20 ✔ Mormon Tabernacle Choir, June 20
A complete Festival calendar is available on-line www.vafest.org Tickets are on sale for all Festival performances. Call VAF 282-2822, Ticketmaster 1-800-982-2787 or order on-line, vafest.org.
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