Under the Surface: An original ballet based on a well-known story to be performed during Moravian Autumn

A brand-new work has been created for this year’s Moravian Autumn festival - the ballet Under the Surface. It's a joint project by Brno artists, tailor-made for a specific dance company and orchestra. The story draws on motifs from Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid. Many of the performers are associated with the Veveří Elementary Art School, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year and has produced many active artists over the decades. Most of the performers are pupils and students under 10 years of age.

The ballet is written to suit the specific ensembles. The music, libretto, choreography and design are original works by contemporary Brno artists – Ondřej Kyas, Kateřina Křivánková, Gabriela Hrabalová and Tereza Jančová. The leading roles are danced by students of the Veveří Elementary Art School and dancers from the Brno Dance Conservatory, who have won awards at competitions in the Czech Republic and abroad. Musical accompaniment will be provided by the Ensemble MiDiversa orchestra, conducted by Jan Bělohlávek. It's a school symphony orchestra that last year won first prize in the national finals of the Ministry of Education competition and is the only school orchestra in the Czech Republic selected for the prestigious MenArt scholarship programme, where it works with world-renowned horn player and conductor Radek Baborák.

The ballet’s story itself is based on motifs from H. C. Andersen’s The Little Mermaid, set in modern times. "Instead of romantic love, we put friendship - deep, long-standing and sacrificial - at the forefront. Our Fairy is not a passive figure but a mature being who, through loss, finds a new view of the world and of relationships that have real value,” says librettist Kateřina Křivánková. Choreography is by Gabriela Hrabalová, the music by Ondřej Kyas, and the set and costumes by Tereza Jančová.

Running at around 65 minutes, the production is suitable for children as well. You can see it at the Theatre on Orlí in its premiere on Saturday 25 October 2025 as part of Moravian Autumn at 4:00 and 7:00 p.m., and on Sunday 26 October 2025 at the same times under the banner of the Veveří Elementary Art School.

Music: Ondřej Kyas:

Choreography, direction: Gabriela Hrabalová

libretto: Kateřina Křivánková

Set and costumes: Tereza Jančová

Conductor: Jan Bělohlávek

Starring:

Agnes (the Fairy): Adéla Humpolíková

Natálie (friend, princess): Michaela Skovajsová/ Ema Kabelková

Petr (the Prince): Sebastian Keše/ Vojtěch Brychta (students of the Brno Dance Conservatory)

Mum: Adéla Poláková

Witch: Anna Kaděrová, Ema Sakařová