Your rhythmic journey into the enchanting world of ballet is here! Get ready to spin away into this week’s stories.
Dive into the world of ballet footwear with the introduction of the ballet sneaker—a perfect blend of ballet elegance and a comfy, chunky sole. Then grab your popcorn because Anthony Madu, the viral Nigerian ballet sensation, is taking center stage in his documentary "Madu," following his inspiring journey from Nigeria to the renowned Elmhurst Ballet School in England now streaming on Disney+. And this weekend, immerse yourself in a unique ballet experience with Ballet Chelsea's Cinderella Tea—an exclusive peek into the company's rehearsals for Cinderella before their actual show.
All of this and more is waiting for you in this week’s newsletter, let the rhythm guide you and the stories inspire you!
It’s time to replace your ballet-flats with the brand new ballet sneaker adorned with chunky soles and detachable ankle straps. Created by designers like Simone Rocha and Rombaut this sneaker reflects the larger trend of designer collaborations with technical wear brands, creating a shoe that fuses the gentleness of ballet with the chunkiness of a sneaker sole.
Renowned designer Asha Ama Bias-Daniels, an alumna of the University of Cincinnati, brings her talent to the forefront of the Cincinnati Ballet's production "Mercurial Landscapes". Seeking to elevate the storytelling with her costume designs, Bias-Daniels' creations, are inspired by the experiences of Black women and aimed at promoting inclusivity and self-recognition.
Golden State Ballet's artistic director, Raul Salamanca, likes to envision the audience's experience before staging "From New York, with Love," featuring ballets by New York-based choreographers including the Tony Award winning choreographer Justin Peck, Gabrielle Lamb, and Norbert De La Cruz III. With Michael Sean Breeden assisting in setting Peck's "In Creases," the company aims to offer diverse and captivating performances, reflecting Salamanca's commitment to growth.
The Joffrey Ballet and Kartemquin Films announced their collaboration for their documentary following the winners of the 14th annual Winning Works Choreographic Competition which is set to release at the end of this year. Through interviews, verité footage, and archival materials, the film captures the experiences of ALAANA artists, Jainil Mehta, Martha Nichols, Manoela Gonçalves, Houston Thomas, and Xavier Núñez, as they make original works for the trainees of the Joffrey Academy of Dance. This documentary aims to challenge the exclusivity of classical ballet and spotlight emerging talent.
With dance companies like Pacific Northwest Ballet and New York City Ballet collectively using thousands of pairs of pointe shoes annually it has created environmental concerns regarding the disposal of them. Luckily there are people like Ozgem Ornektekin who have been able to find ways to repurpose pointe shoes so they do not completely go to waste. Some of these ways include shoe souvenirs, creating art, and recycling and upcycling.
If You’re Around This Weekend:
Experience a captivating preview of Ballet Chelsea's enchanting production of Cinderella before the grand event in just two weeks! Join the company for Cinderella Tea this Sunday, April 7th at 2 pm, and immerse yourself in the intimate atmosphere of company rehearsals for Cinderella. Reserve your tickets now for this opportunity.
If You Feel Like Watching:
Virtual Ballet star, Anthony Madu, spun his way into the hearts of many when his ballet teacher posted a video of him doing pirouettes in the rain barefoot. Now his story comes to life in the new Disney + documentary Madu, following Anthony as he leaves his family in Nigeria to attend the prestigious Elmhurst Ballet School in England.
If You Feel Like Listening:
In the latest episode of Ballet Help Desk, be ready for an interview with Christopher Ruud, Second Company Manager and Rehearsal Director at Kansas City Ballet, as he covers a variety of topics such as the structure of post-graduate levels, performance opportunities, the progression through the school's ranks, and more. You're not going to want to miss this latest episode!
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