Puss in Boots

Everyone’s favorite charismatic cat pounces off the page and onto the stage for a balletic re-imagination of Puss in Boots. Adventure with our fearless feline in an attempt to get a paw up in the world.

Puss in Boots is specially created for our youngest audience members – toddlers and preschoolers. With a pre-show craft, 45-minute performance, post-show movement class, and a chance to meet a few kittens from Feline Rescue, it’s the purrrfect event for the entire family.

Warning — tomfoolery guaranteed.

Choreographed by: Anna Betz*
Performed by: The upper-level students of The School of Ballet Co.Laboratory
*part of Ballet Co.Laboratory’s Laboratory II: Emerging Choreographer Program

DATE / TIME
March 2 – 3 & 9 – 10, 2024

Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 2:00 pm
Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 6:00 pm
Sunday, March 3, 2024 at 2:00 pm
Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 2:00 pm
Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 6:00 pm
Sunday, March 10, 2024 at 2:00 pm

LOCATION
Ballet Co.Laboratory Studio Theatre
276 E Lafayette Frontage Rd / St. Paul, MN 55107

TICKETS
·       Adults: $30
·       Seniors: $28
·       Children/Students: $25
·       Groups (10+ tix to the same performance): $25

Have you ever been allowed to MEOW at the ballet? Dance in your seat? Be a part of the finale? At Ballet Co.Laboratory’s upcoming production of Puss in Boots, all of the above are welcomed. Puss in Boots is a ballet specially curated for the youngest of audience members, toddlers and preschoolers. The production, running March 2-3 and March 9-10, will be performed in Ballet Co.Laboratory’s new Studio Theatre in St. Paul.

While commonly based on fairy tales, most ballets are not produced with young children in mind. With a 45-minute performance, colorful and imaginative costumes, and a relaxed theater setting, Puss in Boots is a more accessible ballet experience for little ones.

Before the performance, audiences are invited to create a cat-themed craft and learn how to read a show program to find clues about the story they will see enacted through dance. During the show, opportunities for audience members to get involved from their seats will be featured. A post-performance movement class will give guests an additional chance to groove. Want a few kitty snuggles before you leave the show? Ballet Co.Laboratory is partnering with local animal shelter Feline Rescue to give attendees a chance to meet adoptable kittens and learn how to care for our furry friends.

Puss in Boots, choreographed by Ballet Co.Laboratory’s 2024 Laboratory II Emerging Choreographer Anna Betz, is based on the original Italian fairy tale with a few notable twists. The fearless feline in question is female, and her nemesis is not her master, Chesil, but rather the Queen – an evil enchantress who is secretly hoarding the kingdom’s food and other treasures for herself. It becomes Puss’ mission to expose the Queen for her treachery and save the people of the kingdom with her intelligence, creativity, and resilience – all wonderful lessons for young children and good reminders for the rest of us.

“I don’t want audience members to take themselves too seriously!” laughs choreographer Anna Betz. “There are certainly dramatic and significant story elements in Puss in Boots, but it’s also loads of fun. Our goal is to entertain and spark imaginations with Puss’ antics.” Music from classical greats like Pyotr Tchaikovsky and Dmitri Shostakovitch sit alongside upbeat tracks from Nancy Sinatra and Broadway sensation Kinky Boots, among others.

While Puss in Boots has charm and charisma for all ages, Ballet Co.Laboratory’s youngest audience members will experience the purrrfect introduction to the world of ballet.