A&A Ballet marks 10 years with triple bill including a world premiere
A&A Ballet marks a decade of artistic excellence with an extraordinary triple bill performance in April 2026 at the Athenaeum Theatre in Chicago.
The evening showcases the company’s exceptional pre-professional dancers in three captivating works: a reimagined one-act “Swan Lake,” a special 10th anniversary gala featuring a world premiere, and the exhilarating “Rhapsody in Blue.”
Founded by internationally acclaimed choreographers Anna Reznik and Alexei Kremnev, founding artistic directors of the Joffrey Academy and the Joffrey Studio Company, A&A Ballet has established itself as a powerhouse in elite dance training, with students placed in top companies worldwide.
While students, including from the Chicago area, consistently win major performance awards around the world, A&A has received the Outstanding Teacher Award annually since 2017. This milestone performance celebrates the artistic vision and innovative choreography that have earned critical praise and recognition throughout the dance community.
"Over the past decade, we’ve built something truly special — a company that honors classical tradition while embracing bold, contemporary expression," said Alexei Kremnev, co-founder and artistic director. "This triple bill represents the journey we’ve taken and the exciting future ahead for our program and our dancers."
“Swan Lake” (one-act)
A&A Ballet's fast-paced interpretation of the beloved classic showcases the technical brilliance and dramatic artistry that define the company. Reimagined by Reznik and Kremnev, this one-act production features stunning effects and passionate performances that demonstrate why A&A Ballet dancers are sought after by elite companies internationally.
10th anniversary gala
The celebration continues with highlights from the 2025-26 season, including the world premiere of “Paquita Finale,” the electrifying “Scream,” mesmerizing “Windy Sand,” and a curated selection of classical and contemporary works. This special gala captures the versatility and artistry of A&A Ballet's pre-professional dancers while honoring the company’s remarkable decade of achievement.
“Rhapsody in Blue”
Co-choreographed by Alexei Kremnev and Braeden Barnes, this crowd-pleasing work brings George Gershwin’s iconic American masterpiece to life on stage.
Inspired by the composer’s legendary train journey from New York City to Boston — where he envisioned a "musical kaleidoscope of America" — the ballet masterfully blends dance, jazz, and blues with classical structure. Dynamic, vibrant, and accessible to all ages, “Rhapsody in Blue” embodies the energy and spirit of American music through breathtaking movement.
"Rhapsody in Blue is pure joy," added Anna Reznik, co-founder and artistic director. "It connects with audiences in a visceral way — the rhythm, the energy, the celebration of American culture through dance. It’s the perfect way to share our anniversary celebration with the Chicago community."
A&A Ballet’s 10th Anniversary Triple Bill will be at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave. in Chicago. Tickets are $22 to $59. For tickets, visit www.aacenterfordance.org/ballet-tickets.
A&A Ballet is based in Chicago’s state-of-the-art A&A Ballet Center for Dance and is devoted to training in strong, versatile dance techniques, as well as the development of personality, independence and artistry.
Led by internationally acclaimed artists and former founding artistic directors of the Joffrey Academy and Joffrey Studio Company, Anna Reznik and Alexei Kremnev, A&A offers a wide variety of classes, professional performance opportunities, private instruction, choreography and training for dancers ranging from age 3 to adult.
To date, A&A trained students have secured more than 250 full scholarships and multiple company, apprentice and studio company positions with powerhouses including American Ballet Theater, New York City Ballet, Paris Opera Ballet, Royal Danish Ballet, Boston Ballet, Norwegian National Ballet, Finnish National Ballet, Houston Ballet, Princess Grace Academy of Monaco, Bolshoi Ballet, Colorado Ballet, BalletMet and Sarasota Ballet. For more information visit aacenterfordance.org.