Put on your tutus and hit the dance floor as we draw back the curtain on this week's exciting news!
Meet Olivia Book, who is making history as the first professional ballerina with a congenital upper limb deficiency at Ballet West. Discover how Olivia has overcome numerous challenges to dance on the prestigious stage she graces today. Next, ballet takes center stage for boys at Queensland Ballet with their innovative initiative, The Ballet Boys Project, which aims to counteract the decline in male ballet enrollment. And get ready to celebrate because the New York City Ballet is turning 75! Join CBS correspondent Serena Altschul as she talks with the company's current leaders and legendary dancers about the NYCB's rich legacy and its goals for the future.
The curtain is officially up, and the show is starting! Scroll down to see these
inspiring stories come to life.
Olivia Book, born with a congenital upper limb deficiency, is making history as the first professional ballerina with a limb difference at Ballet West in Salt Lake City. Overcoming numerous challenges, she has proven that her unique strengths and determination can break barriers in the ballet world, inspiring others with her exceptional talent and perseverance.
In June, BalletMet in Columbus, Ohio, appointed Remi Wörtmeyer as its new artistic director, succeeding Edwaard Liang. Wörtmeyer, an experienced
choreographer and former principal dancer, aims to build on BalletMet's legacy by introducing diverse repertory and fostering inclusivity and community engagement.
The Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre, renowned for its rigorous ballet training and annual performances of "The Nutcracker," announced its closure at the end of July, citing declining enrollment and competition for students' attention. Long-time artistic director Diane Cypher decided to shut down the academy rather than compromise its high standards, emphasizing the difficulty of maintaining professional-level training post-pandemic.
In mid-July, Queensland Ballet launched The Ballet Boys Project to counteract
declining male ballet enrollments by offering free weekly classes for boys aged 11-14 at their West End and Kelvin Grove locations. The initiative, led by professional male teachers, aims to break down stigmas around men in dance and build a supportive community, with the hope of sustaining male participation in ballet.
If You’re Around This Weekend
Don't miss Dance Theatre of Harlem's Sunday show at 7 PM at the Tilles Center Concert Hall, featuring beloved classics and unique contemporary pieces in celebration of founder Arthur Mitchell. Be sure to join Artistic Director Robert Garland for an engaging pre-show talk from 5:45 PM to 6:30 PM in the Krasnoff Theater!
If you haven't experienced the Summer for the City BAAND Together Dance Festival yet, now is your chance! With only two days left, catch the festival this Friday at 7:30 PM and Saturday at 4:00 PM. The BAAND Together Dance Festival brings together five of NYC's most acclaimed dance companies—Ballet Hispánico, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, and Dance Theatre of Harlem—for unforgettable performances!
Lexington Parks & Recreation and Kentucky Ballet Theatre will present the 34th annual Ballet Under the Stars from July 31 to August 4 at Woodland Park, with a rain date on August 5. The event features a youth production at 8 p.m. and a professional ballet performance at 9 p.m., with this year's pre-show themed "Ballet 13: A Tribute to Taylor Swift.” This highly anticipated event is definitely a must see!
In Case You Feel Like Watching
Founded in 1948 by George Balanchine, New York City Ballet is widely regarded as one of the top global dance companies and a key figure in American ballet. CBS correspondent, Serena Altschul, interviews leaders Jonathan Stafford and Wendy Whelan, iconic dancer Suzanne Farrell, and principal ballerina Megan Fairchild about NYCB's legacy, its School of American Ballet, and its appeal to younger audiences as it marks 75 years.
In Case You Feel Like Listening
In this week's episode of The Hard Cops Podcast, Chloe Rowlatt, a dedicated dance physiotherapist and Pilates instructor in London shares her inspiring journey from a prestigious vocational ballet school to becoming a trusted dance physio at DPuk Pilates. Tune in for her valuable insights and advice for dancers and fitness enthusiasts!
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