It’s that time of the week again where we bring you the latest stories happening in the world of ballet!
If you're between the ages of 13 and 30, the New York City Ballet has an incredible offer just for you! Their $30-for-30 ticket program offers discounted tickets for people aged 13 to 30, and has already led to a 50% boost in their ticket sales. Next, discover how the National Ballet of Ukraine is persevering and performing despite ongoing air raid threats, and find out about their upcoming debut US tour. Finally, tune in to hear about Julie Bowers, former Royal Ballet dancer, and her innovative Grad Pro program, designed to help ballet dancers smoothly transition from training to professional careers.
Wanna see what else we have in store? We thought you might. Keep on scrolling to find out!
Olivia Bell reprises her role as the lead in Gianna Reisen’s ballet Signs, now part of New York City Ballet’s fall season, after first performing it as a student in 2022. The ballet’s youthful energy and Bell’s magnetic presence bring life to this work, which explores themes of beauty, control, and growth, mirroring Bell’s own journey from student to professional dancer.
Young New Yorkers are embracing ballet, thanks to the New York City Ballet’s $30-for-30 ticket program, which offers discounted tickets to people aged 13 to 30 and has boosted sales by 50%. The initiative, now in its sixth season, has transformed the Lincoln Center audience, attracting younger viewers who otherwise might opt for more casual activities.
Amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, the National Ballet of Ukraine continues to perform, often under the threat of air raids, offering both dancers and audiences a crucial emotional respite. The company will embark on its first U.S. tour since Ukraine's independence, with proceeds benefiting Ukrainian families, while also raising awareness of the country's ongoing need for international support.
If You Are Around This Weekend
The upcoming production Sylph by Dawn Springer Dance Projects premieres on Oct. 11 at Jan Serr Studio in Milwaukee, exploring femininity through contemporary dance. It subverts traditional ballet themes while reflecting on the complex societal expectations of women, both historically and in modern times, featuring international dancers and feminist-driven choreography.
Ballet Lubbock will host the School of American Ballet for a free teacher development seminar on Oct. 11-12, offering workshops led by Katrina Killian, a former soloist with the New York City Ballet. This event is designed for classical ballet instructors from diverse backgrounds and marks the third time SAB has partnered with Ballet Lubbock.
The Depot Theater will host the 18th Annual Minnesota Ballet Celebrity Dance Challenge on Friday, October 11th, featuring performances by local celebrities paired with professional dancers. The event begins with a social hour at 5:30 pm, followed by the main performance at 7:00 pm, where attendees can vote for their favorite celebrity to win the Audience Choice Award.
If You Feel Like Watching
Filmmaker Sara Crow delves into the inspirations and creative processes of choreographers Gianna Reisen, Caili Quan, and Tiler Peck for the New York City Ballet 2024 Fall Fashion Gala, highlighting their transitions from dancers to choreographers. The short film also features costume designs by NYCB Director of Costumes Marc Happel, Gilles Mendel, and Zac Posen.
If You Feel Like Listening
In this episode of the Ballet Help Desk the hosts sit down with Julie Bowers, former Royal Ballet dancer and founder of Grad Pro, a program that helps dancers transition from training to professional careers. Julie shares her insights on the challenges dancers face, especially post-Covid, and discusses how Grad Pro’s programs, including postgraduate training, career mentoring, and international showcases, support dancers in achieving their professional goals.
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