We are so excited to have you back for this week’s edition of Dance Rhythm, your number one source for all things ballet!
Lace up your pointe shoes because this week’s newsletter will take you all around the dance floor. For our book lovers, Chole Angyal’s sequel “Pointe of Pride '' promises to bring you all of the drama, romance, and intrigue of ballet as you follow the main character Carly Montgomery. Next, discover Ministry of Sound, a nightclub in London, whose goal is to blend ballet with club culture and captivate younger audiences into the world of ballet as they showcase emerging ballet dancers and choreographers. Then, delve into the mission of the Asian American Ballet Project, dedicated to bridging the gap in ballet representation by providing a platform for Asian American dancers, choreographers, and artistic talents.
All this and more awaits you in this week's newsletter. Just click away!
Chloe Angyal's sequel, "Pointe of Pride," follows Carly Montgomery, a New York Ballet corps member, as she navigates the challenges of securing a soloist contract while boosting her social media presence with the help of photographer Nick Jacobs, leading to an unexpected enemies-to-lovers dynamic amidst the backdrop of ballet career uncertainties and personal
transitions.
Ministry of Sound, a night club in London, is shifting from alcohol to water, bananas, and protein bars as the club hosts Ballet Nights, featuring top ballet stars and rising choreographers in a bid to break the mold and attract younger audiences. Choreographer Jamiel Devernay-Laurence's innovative approach aims to blend ballet with club culture, offering a new platform for dancers and challenging traditional arts funding models.
The Nylia Ballet Academy announced scholarships and tuition waivers to break down barriers for aspiring dancers from marginalized communities, aiming to make ballet more accessible. These awards, including the Aurora Piñon Memorial Scholarship and the ADA Family Scholarship, would cover tuition for a year, promoting inclusivity and opportunity in ballet education.
The San Francisco Ballet School, known for its commitment to innovation, showcases both classical and contemporary works by its students during its annual Spring Festival, reflecting the evolving landscape of ballet. Directed by Grace Holmes, the school balances tradition and relevance, nurturing young choreographers while maintaining a connection to the company's culture of excellence and openness.
The Royal Ballet's modern masterpiece adaptation of Shakespeare's "The Winter's Tale," choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon, showcases Matthew Ball's exceptional portrayal of King Leontes, blending regality with emotional depth. With innovative set design and nuanced storytelling, the production offers audiences a captivating and cathartic experience, screening in cinemas across the UK until May 29th.
The Asian American Ballet Project, founded by Beth Mochizuki, addresses the lack of representation in ballet by providing a space for Asian American dancers, choreographers, and artistic staff. Through their mission to tell Asian American stories from a culturally sensitive perspective, they aim to reshape perceptions and provide opportunities for representation in the artform, with their upcoming show "Intersections" scheduled for June 29 and 30 at the Calderwood Pavillion in Boston.
Borderlands Ballet Company’s 2024 production of Coppélia, a comedic ballet set in a rural village where a lifelike doll named Coppélia leads to mistaken identities and heartwarming revelations, offers a timely exploration of the line between humans and machines, echoing themes found in classics like The Nutcracker, as it delves into questions of artificial intelligence and human complexity.
If You’re Around this Weekend
George Balanchine’s legacy lives on as New York City Ballet choreographers, including Christopher Wheeldon and Justin Peck, continue to draw inspiration from Igor Stravinsky’s music, showcased in works like Wheeldon’s Scènes de Ballet and Peck’s Pulcinella Variations, while Balanchine’s own Symphony in Three Movements exemplifies the profound harmony between his choreography and Stravinsky’s compositions. Make sure to secure your seat for this weekend's showing!
If You Feel Like Watching
Ballet West’s Principal dancer Jordan Veit and Intermountain Health Sport Psychologist Dr. Toni Kemmochi highlight the significance of stress management offering insights into effective coping strategies that will leave you feeling calm on the dance floor. If you are interested in learning more health and wellness tips you can visit Ballet West’s website for more information.
If You Feel Like Listening
Ballet, originating in the 15th century, has evolved with contemporary culture, yet still lacks diversity, particularly in principal roles. Lauren Anderson, a trailblazer as one of the first Black principal dancers, discusses the progress made in inclusivity while highlighting ongoing challenges and her personal journey of overcoming discrimination and addiction to mentor aspiring dancers of color.
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