Welcome back to Dance Rhythm, your top source for all things ballet! Are you excited to see what happened this week? We sure are!
While "macaroni" usually brings to mind a beloved cheesy pasta, have you heard of the 18th-century slang term Macaroni? Choreographer Loughlan Prior is bringing this flamboyant piece of history to the stage at BalletX Summer Series, celebrating queer pride and camp fashion. Meanwhile, The National Ballet of Canada has unveiled a fresh new logo and website for the first time in two decades, reflecting its current identity and future direction. Plus, join ballet icon Misty Copeland in an intimate conversation with host Michael Gervais as she shares pivotal moments from her career, behind-the-scenes insights into her iconic performances, her impactful work beyond dance and more.
Eager to dive into these stories? Scroll down to find out more!
Loughlan Prior’s world premiere "Macaroni" for BalletX, part of the Summer Series 2024 from July 10–21, explores the 18th-century slang term “Macaroni,” referring to queer or dandyish man, with an original score by Claire Cowan and costumes by Emma Kingsbury. This flamboyant work celebrates queer pride and camp fashion, running alongside premieres by Stina Quagebeur and Amy Hall Garner.
On July 2 and 3, Memoirs of Blacks in Ballet (MoBBallet) and The John F.
Kennedy Center presented ‘Pathways to Performance: Exercises in Reframing the Narrative,’ featuring five pieces by Black choreographers and dancers. Founded by Theresa Ruth Howard to honor overlooked Black ballerinas, MoBBallet aims to foster an inclusive ballet community. Highlights from the show included Donald Byrd’s “From Other Suns,” Kiyon Ross’s “Quick Pleasures,” exploring a romantic relationship, and Jennifer Archibald’s “HOME,” inspired by Nina Simone, each showcasing the dancers' emotional depth and technical skill.
Aspen Santa Fe Ballet (ASFB) has curated an extraordinary gala featuring dancers from top ballet companies like Joffrey Ballet, Royal Ballet, Ballet West, Boston Ballet, and Houston Ballet for two special nights on July 10 and 11. This unique event, offering a diverse program of classical and contemporary ballet, aims to satisfy Aspen audiences' desire for classical ballet and includes performances such as "Round of Angels," "Diana & Acteon," and "White Swan Pas de Deux."
Since its founding in 1952, Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández has become a revered traditional dance company, awarded honors such as the National Prize for Fine Arts and France’s Legion of Honor. On July 18, they debuted at the Hollywood Bowl, performing with the Los Angeles Philharmonic under conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto, who has a long history with the troupe and will also lead the LA Phil in various works celebrating Mexican music and culture.
More middle-aged and elderly women are taking up or returning to classical ballet, leading to the emergence of ballet classes tailored to adult performers. Despite a decline in the number of young ballet students in Japan, the percentage of older students has increased, with many adult women finding joy and a new challenge in ballet, supported by specialized classes and instructors.
KGW is partnering with the Oregon Ballet Theatre (OBT) for the 2024/2025 season, offering exclusive coverage and community collaborations to highlight OBT's performances, including "Hansel and Gretel," "Giselle," "The Nutcracker," and a world premiere about Marilyn Monroe. This partnership underscores KGW's commitment to the arts and aims to enhance Portland's cultural landscape by bringing ballet to a wider audience through television and community engagement.
If You’re Around This Weekend
Join BalletX this weekend for an unforgettable experience featuring world premieres by renowned choreographers Loughlan Prior, Stina Quagebeur, and Amy Hall Garner. Don't miss this must-see show—secure your tickets now for Saturday or Sunday at The Wilma Theater in Philadelphia!
If You Feel Like Watching
Join host Michael Gervais for an intimate conversation with ballet legend Misty Copeland. From living in motel rooms to becoming the first African American female principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre, Misty transformed the world of ballet with her powerful narrative and classical finesse. In this conversation she shares stories from her inspiring journey, her approach
to handling pressure, her influential work beyond dance, and more. This is a conversation you won't want to miss!
The National Ballet of Canada, led by Artistic Director Hope Muir, has rebranded with a new website and logo designed in partnership with Bruce Mau Design to mark the launch of the 2024/25 season. This contemporary update, the first in nearly two decades, aims to reflect the company's current identity and future aspirations, focusing on storytelling and audience engagement.
If You Feel Like Listening
Join host and ballet teacher Georgia as she helps you build self-confidence in ballet. Discover new strategies to overcome self-doubt and listen to her personal stories that will inspire you to embrace your ballet journey!
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