The Aquarium of the Pacific and the Long Beach Ballet present their first joint production Friday, October 5, through Sunday, October 7, surrounded by marine life at one of the nation’s largest aquariums. The ocean-themed ballet Guardians is directed by David Wilcox and choreographed by Johnny Zhong. The production captures the 
ever-changing relationship of humans with the ocean.
“It is through the combination of art and science that we hope to strike an emotional chord with visitors to inspire them to take action to help conserve nature and its resources,” said Dr. Jerry R. Schubel, Aquarium of the Pacific president and CEO.
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“Art is a powerful tool for evoking emotions and engaging people in science and environmental issues. For that reason, the Aquarium has been hosting visual and performing arts from symphony and opera performances to fine-art exhibits and now this exciting debut with the Long Beach Ballet”
Journey through time starting with the chaotic formation of the universe and Earth through the emergence of man, the domination and degradation of the Earth and ocean, followed by a reawakening of the human spirit, which leads to a strong environmental and ocean ethic. In the grand finale humans embrace their role as Guardians of this planet and live in harmony with Mother Earth.
“The ballet is a new, completely unique work that grew out of the Aquarium and Ballet’s vision to encapsulate the essence of the human-versus-nature dynamic. The ocean, as the mother of all life on Earth, plays the leading role. The 30 dancers are continually surrounded by its grandeur, both by video projection and the venue,” said David Wilcox, Long Beach Ballet artistic director.
The Los Angeles Times 2012 Readers’ Choice selected the Long Beach Ballet as best in education for performing arts. Seats are $70-$30, and doors open at 7 p.m. This production is part of Long Beach Arts Month.
“Art is a powerful tool for evoking emotions and engaging people in science and environmental issues. For that reason, the Aquarium has been hosting visual and performing arts from symphony and opera performances to fine-art exhibits and now this exciting debut with the Long Beach Ballet,” said Dr. Schubel. The nonprofit Aquarium of the Pacific is a community gathering place where diverse cultures and the arts are celebrated and a place where important topics facing our planet are explored by scientists, policy-makers, and stakeholders in search of sustainable solutions.
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