Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
Unbound by Alabama Ballet will show the magic of Johnny Cash + FKA Twigs on May 16-18
Reading time: 4 minutes
Sponsored
Get excited, Birmingham arts lovers!
Alabama Ballet will soon present Unbound: A Series of Ever-Evolving Performances—a bold double feature set to the music of Johnny Cash and FKA Twigs. Running May 16–18, this unique show blends beautiful choreography with emotional sound.
Keep reading for more info on this innovative performance + how to get tickets.
Know before you go: performance times + ticket info
- When
- Friday, May 16 | 7:30PM
- Saturday, May 17 | 2PM + 7:30PM
- Sunday, May 18 | 2PM
- Where
- Cost
- Prices vary per seating option | tickets begin at 49
- Purchase tickets
- Event page
Unbound: a mixed repertoire performance
According to Christopher Stuart, Artistic Director at Alabama Ballet, Unbound is special because unlike traditional productions that feature a set repertoire, this is an ever-evolving series.
Each season, it introduces new ballets that incorporates different styles, offering a fresh and diverse experience for both the dancers and audience.
Unbound brings back the magic of Christopher’s Under the Lights: An Ode to the Man in Black. After last season’s audience was captivated by the excerpts, Alabama Ballet decided to present the full production—set to the iconic music of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash.
In 2014, while dancing for Nashville Ballet, Christopher met John Carter Cash, the son of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash. With John’s enthusiastic support, Christopher was given the freedom to use the legendary couple’s music in his ballet.
“It’s an honor to have created a ballet to their music. The connection between the raw emotion of their songs and the expressive language of ballet creates a powerful blend that resonates deeply with audiences.
Being able to bring their legacy to life through dance feels incredibly special, and it’s a meaningful experience to pay tribute to the impact their music has had across generations, all while adding my own creative spin to it.
I am so happy to be able to bring this work to Alabama Ballet and the city of Birmingham!”
Christopher Stuart, Artistic Director at Alabama Ballet
In addition to Under the Lights, Unbound will showcase a world premiere by internationally acclaimed dancer and choreographer James Whiteside. Created exclusively for Alabama Ballet, this production will make its debut with music by FKA Twigs.
Be sure to grab your tickets to this can’t-miss performance!
Take a peek behind the curtain
It’s no secret that Alabama Ballet’s performances are fueled by hard work and passion—but did you know the dancers train and rehearse in the studio from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM every day? It’s a full-time commitment, just like any other job.
Each season, Alabama Ballet supplies pointe shoes for its female dancers. Professional dancers can go through two pairs a week, with each pair costing between $120 and $150. Over the course of a year, that’s nearly $75,000 spent on pointe shoes alone.
“The pointe shoe is the most essential piece of equipment used by the dancers of Alabama Ballet. Custom made by hand, pointe shoes are elegantly engineered to enable our dancers to perform the beautiful ballets you enjoy.”
From Alabama Ballet’s Website
If you’d like to support Alabama Ballet and help keep the dancers on their toes, consider becoming a member of the Pointe Shoe Society.
Each donation comes with a special thank you from Alabama Ballet and you will be recognized as a member of their donor community in season programs.
What’s next at Alabama Ballet
Alabama Ballet not only offers amazing performances—they also offer unique opportunities for the Birmingham community to get involved.
Here are some upcoming events and announcements to look forward to:
- Season 25/26 reveal + subscription sales
- Junior Board of leaders under age 35 dedicated to making an impact on Birmingham’s vibrant arts community to be established
- Ballet School Registration + Summer Programs
- Family Day at the Ballet
- August 16 10AM-1PM
- Free ballet classes/demos, games, food trucks, raffle prizes + more
Be sure to check out Alabama Ballet’s calendar + get your tickets to Unbound today!
