Welcome to the latest edition of Dance Rhythm, your number one source for all things ballet!
This week’s stories offer a captivating mix of ballet and beyond. Discover how the Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA has collaborated with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra on the ballet album titled A Ballet Through Mud. Be amazed by Ballet West, as they currently hold the largest ballet education program in the U.S., serving 148,000 students and teachers. Lastly, age is just a number to American Ballet Theatre (ABT) principal dancer Herman Cornejo as he is celebrating 25 years of dancing for the company at 43 years old.
These highlights are just the beginning—scroll down to catch up on all the latest in the ballet world!
Wu-Tang Clan's RZA has teamed up with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra to create a classical ballet album titled 'A Ballet Through Mud', which spans 11 tracks and explores themes of love, friendship, and personal growth. Inspired by old lyrical notebooks from his teens discovered during the COVID-19 lockdown, RZA aims for the album to transform everyday moments into something magical, with its release set for August 30th exclusively on the Platoon platform.
Alo Yoga announced a collaboration with the American Ballet Theatre, unveiling the "Ballet Pink" collection inspired by ballet's strength and discipline. The collection features 40 ballet-inspired apparel and accessory styles, perfect for workouts or streetwear, and will be available on July 29.
The Royal Ballet School will open applications for its full-time and associate training programs on September 3, with revised audition processes for the 2025/26 academic year to extend opportunities to students from all backgrounds. Applicants will undergo preliminary auditions across the UK, with further stages for successful candidates, including video submissions and final in-person auditions in London; international candidates can submit video auditions if they cannot attend in the UK.
Ballet West has the largest ballet education programs in the country, serving 148,000 students and teachers with a 35% increase in participation since last season. During the 2023-24 season, they provided over 1,300 hours of dance education, reaching over 60,000 students through in-person and virtual presentations.
Young dancers from across the country are spending nearly five weeks in Boston at the Boston Ballet School's summer program, where they receive instruction from company members and immerse themselves in a professional training environment. Soloist Lauren Herfindahl and student Amalia Campe highlight the program's importance in both personal and artistic growth, with ample dance hours, exposure to diverse teaching styles, and the chance to explore the city.
If You’re Around This Weekend
San Francisco Ballet returns to Starry Nights at Stanford Live with a diverse program featuring classical and contemporary works, including a praised rendition of Swan Lake Act II and the Company premiere of Ben Stevenson’s Three Preludes. The evening concludes with a tribute to Dutch choreographer Hans van Manen, showcasing his influential style through three of his most popular works. You’ll definitely want to check out this show happening this Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM!
If You Feel Like Watching
Joining ABT at just 18 years old and considered short for ballet at 5 feet 6 inches, Herman Cornejo defied the odds to become a principal dancer in three years and continues to perform impressively at age 43. Despite the physical demands that typically see dancers retire in their early thirties, Cornejo remains passionate about dancing after 25 years with the company and has no plans to stop.
New York City Ballet (NYCB) Board Member Jill Kargman discusses her evolving perception of the New York City Ballet in this 75th anniversary video. She highlights NYCB’s unique ability to balance traditional ballet with innovative, contemporary performances.
If You Feel Like Listening
In this episode of the Ballet Help Desk, author Chloe Angyal joins them to discuss her book, "Turning Pointe." She explores issues like the "ballet brain," ballet's current crisis, and why traditionalism contradicts ballet's history, while expressing cautious optimism about the future of the art form.
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