Myth, Desire, and Passion Unleashed with the Power of Live Orchestra
This fall, The Georgia Ballet ignites the stage with an electrifying evening of music, movement, and drama as Firebird & Carmen takes audiences on a journey through myth, transformation, love, and fate. Running October 22–25, 2026, at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre, this unforgettable double bill features the passion of Bizet’s Carmen alongside the Georgia Ballet premiere of Daet Rodriguez’s original one-act ballet, Firebird—both performed to the breathtaking accompaniment of the Georgia Ballet Orchestra live in the theatre.
Tickets start at $26. Secure your seats today at www.georgiaballet.org.
The evening opens with the Georgia Ballet premiere of Firebird, an original one-act ballet choreographed by Artistic Director Daet Rodriguez. Set to Igor Stravinsky’s epic and evocative score, this reimagining of the classic tale follows Prince Ivan on a journey of inner transformation. Guided by the mystical Firebird, Ivan discovers strength through acts of kindness and the purity of his heart. As golden apples on a magical tree begin to fade, they reflect his personal growth, leading to a powerful conclusion centered on redemption, peace, and the strength found within.
The program continues with an all-new production of Carmen, featuring new choreography and a new musical arrangement by Daet Rodriguez set to Georges Bizet’s unforgettable score. One of literature and opera’s most iconic heroines comes vividly to life as a fiercely independent woman who lives and loves by her own rules. Filled with passion, jealousy, desire, and defiance, this fresh interpretation of Carmen brings new movement and theatrical energy to the timeless story.
Elevating the experience even further, audiences will enjoy the rare opportunity to hear these iconic scores performed live by the Georgia Ballet Orchestra. The power of a live orchestra brings added richness and immediacy to the storytelling, immersing audiences in every soaring melody, intimate moment, and dramatic crescendo.
“These two ballets are very different, but both have a lot of emotion,” said Artistic Director Daet Rodriguez. “In Firebird, I want to show Ivan’s transformation and how kindness and a pure heart can make you stronger. Carmen is about passion, love, jealousy, and the choices we make. For me, it is very exciting to bring these two stories together with new choreography and live music. I think the audience will feel something very special.”
Highlights of the production include:
● Two Newly Choreographed Ballets In One Evening:
Experience two distinct worlds with new choreography by Artistic Director Daet
Rodriguez, from the magic and transformation of Firebird to the passion and drama of
Carmen.
● Live Music by The Georgia Ballet Orchestra:
Experience Stravinsky’s sweeping score and Bizet’s iconic melodies performed live, adding
extraordinary depth and excitement to every moment on stage.
● The Georgia Ballet Premiere of Firebird:
Discover a new interpretation of the classic tale, following Prince Ivan on a journey of
kindness, inner strength, and transformation, set to Stravinsky’s powerful score.
● An All New Carmen:
See the timeless story of Carmen brought to life through all-new choreography and a new
musical arrangement by Daet Rodriguez, filled with passion, desire, jealousy, and fate.
● Community Engagement:
Special group discounts are available for schools, community organizations, and groups
of 10+, supporting accessibility and shared holiday traditions.
Performance Dates and Times:
● October 22 – 7 PM (Sensory Friendly Performance)
● October 23 – 8 PM
● October 24 – 2 PM & 8 PM
● October 25 – 3 PM
Tickets are available now at https://www.georgiaballet.org or by calling our box office at (770)
528-0881. Reserve your seats early for this thrilling celebration of myth, passion, and the power of live
performance.
About The Georgia Ballet:
Founded in 1960 by Marietta native Iris Hensley, The Georgia Ballet is a non-profit organization
committed to inspiring the public through professional ballet performance, unparalleled dance
training, and meaningful community outreach. With a focus on creativity, inclusion, and excellence,
The Georgia Ballet continues to bring the joy and artistry of dance to audiences throughout the
region.
Daet Rodriguez, Artistic Director’s Bio:
Daet was born and raised in Cuba and graduated from the National School of Ballet in Havana in 1990.
His training consisted of his parents, Jorge Rodriguez Vede and Clara Diaz, along with Fernando
Alonso, Alberto Alonso, Laura Alonso, Pablo More, and Lazaro Carreno. Daet’s professional career
began with Ballet de Camguey, where he performed many classical and contemporary principal roles. In
1995, Mr. Rodriguez joined Teatro Centro de Arte-Leon Febres Cordero in Ecuador, where his
Balanchine performance experience added to his professional repertoire.
His career extended to many other countries, including Cuba, Jamaica, Argentina, Chile, Mexico,
Canada, Martinique, Guadalupe, and the United States. In 2001, Daet and his wife, Margit, opened
their own ballet school, Cuballet-Ecuador, where they served over 200 students in a classical and
contemporary training program.
Daet and Margit have trained numerous students for competitions such as Youth America Grand Prix,
CIAD in Ecuador, Latin-American Danza in Chile, Danzamerica in Argentina, All Dance International
in Ecuador, and the American Ballet Competition in the US. In February of 2015, Daet, Margit, and
their two children moved to the United States and set ballets and choreography in schools around the
region before joining The Georgia Ballet.
