The Corpus Christi Ballet is preparing to bring The Little Mermaid to the stage next weekend at the Selena Auditorium, showcasing a large-scale production featuring more than 200 costumes, elaborate sets, and local dancers.
Julie Green created original choreography for the performances, and the company leadership called it one of its most ambitious yet.
“It’s going to be absolutely unique,” said Artistic Director Cristina Munro, who has been teaching with the company for 40 years. “Scenery, costumes, lighting, special effects, and fabulous dancing… from the sea to the land and back to the sea.”
Munro said the ballet company itself has been a cornerstone in the Coastal Bend for decades.
“The company is 50 years old,” she said. “It was going 10 years before I came, so 50 years of productions, teaching, and all sorts of wonderful happenings.”
Dancers say the production is especially meaningful due to its familiar story and local connection.
“I think every girl in the Coastal Bend loves The Little Mermaid,” said performer Mia Lozano, who has been dancing since she was three years old and is in her third production with the company. “I think every girl dreams of being a mermaid.”
Mia said preparing for the role takes significant time and effort behind the scenes.
“It took me an hour and 30 minutes—hair, makeup, costuming,” she said.
The ballet will feature performers moving between underwater and land-based scenes, with officials highlighting the scale of costumes and staging as a major draw.
Audiences can catch the production on April 18 and 19 at the Selena Auditorium.
For showtimes and to purchase tickets, click here.