Welcome back to Dance Rhythm! Are you prepared for this week's captivating
movement?
Join us as we extend greetings, bid farewells, and offer congratulations to dancers and directors embarking on new journeys, closing curtains, and breaking boundaries in the June Roster Roundup. Once you're up to speed on the latest whereabouts of these talented individuals, dive into the inspiring story of the Joffrey Ballet's groundbreaking performance featuring participants from the Dancing With Parkinson's program, in collaboration with Northwestern Medicine. And don't miss out on the "wonderfully weird" campaign by Hong Kong Ballet for its 45th anniversary and the launch of its ballet academy, boasting elements of hip-hop, sci-fi, aliens, and more.
Let the beat and rhythm guide you through this week's issue!
From promotions to appointments to recognitions and farewells here is a rundown of dancers and directors on the move. Notable mentions include principal promotions for Emma Von Enck and Sydney Dolan, while also bidding farewell to retiring dancers like Melody Mennite and John Lam. Additionally, recognitions include Misty Copeland and Stevie Wonder receiving the George Peabody Medal for Outstanding Contributions to Music and Dance.
Ballet Hispanico of New York's CEO expressed satisfaction with the attendance at their Arab world debut in Abu Dhabi, emphasizing the company's celebration of diversity and Hispanic culture through a contemporary performance featuring various dance forms. The program, attended by dignitaries and officials, showcased the fusion of Latin cultures and highlighted the importance of multiculturalism in fostering unity and understanding.
Since its founding in 1981, The Chicago Academy for the Arts has fostered the growth of young artists, counting alumni such as Lara Flynn Boyle and Cecily Strong. Renowned instructor Randy Duncan has been a guiding force for aspiring dancers, with over 30 years of a legendary career at the academy. Thirteen of his students have earned placements at Juilliard, a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence and nurturing teaching style, which inspires and supports young talent.
Amy Fote, a former principal now a ballet master, returns to the stage at 51 after a decade, embodying the character grappling with loss and memory in Stanton Welch’s "The Four Seasons", partnered by fellow ballet icon Ian Casady. Fote's comeback reflects a full-circle moment as she reprises a role from the ballet’s premiere, demonstrating the beauty and depth she brings to the artform.
The Joffrey Ballet teamed up with the Dancing With Parkinson's program, a collaboration between Northwestern Medicine, to present their first-ever public performance. Offering both physical exercise and a supportive social environment for Parkinson's patients the performance showcased the inspiring courage of the dancers.
Oregon Ballet Theatre (OBT) concludes its record-breaking 2024 season, celebrating its highest attendance and ticket sales in its 35-year history under Executive Director Shane Jewell's leadership. Despite the success, OBT remains focused on rebuilding, with a shift towards classical productions to meet changing audience preferences, while also contributing to the revitalization of downtown Portland through community engagement efforts led by Director of
Marketing Stephanie Chadwick.
If You’re Around this Weekend
Dance Del Bello is performing the heartwarming classic, Coppelia, this Sunday June 9 at 3 PM at the Zlock Performing Arts Center in PA. Get ready to experience comedy and charm as it follows the lively Swanilda, her indecisive lover Franz, and the eccentric toy maker Dr. Coppelius in a delightful fairy tale filled with spirited mime and dancing. Get your ticket now to make sure you secure your seat for this special event!
If You Feel Like Watching
Design Army unveils the Tutu Academy campaign, marking Hong Kong Ballet's 45th anniversary and the launch of its ballet academy. The campaign merges playful dance expressions with diverse influences, from Degas to hip hop and sci-fi. Directed by Dean Alexander, the video includes vibrant visuals and a whimsical storyline featuring a tutu-clad alien joining the class, the video celebrates connection and creativity.
From its humble beginnings with 30 members to its current size of over 120, the Grand Kyiv Ballet is steadfast in preserving Ukrainian culture. Founded amidst the backdrop of war, Artistic Director Oleksandr Stoianov established the company to showcase the richness of Ukrainian heritage. Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the ballet company continues to push through, embarking on tours in Australia and New Zealand while operating from their base in Poland, aiming to offer a beacon of hope and familiarity amid adversity.
If You Feel Like Listening
This week on The Rosin Box, hosts Claire and Aarón are joined by Soloist Megan LeCrone, who candidly discusses the challenges of handling unexpected mishaps on stage. Emphasizing the inevitability of unpredictability in live ballet performances, Megan underscores the importance of adapting and letting go in the face of setbacks, drawing from personal experiences such as dealing with malfunctioning backdrops and missed counts, ultimately highlighting the resilience required to thrive in such pivotal moments in a dancer's career.
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