For those of you who are new, allow us to introduce ourselves...Hi we’re Dance
Rhythm and we are here to keep you up to date on the latest going on in the world of ballet!
This week’s stories are ones you won’t want to miss. First, hear about American
Ballet Theatre soloist Chloe Misseldine’s thrilling promotion to principal dancer, announced in front of 3,000 cheering fans. Next, get a glimpse of ballet history as the Joffrey Ballet unveils a major exhibit at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, showcasing the company’s roots, beginning in March of 2025. And don’t forget to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Ballet Hispánico at their 2024 Celebración Latina Family Day, this Saturday, October 5, from 9:30 AM to 4 PM.
Again for those of you joining us for the first time this is the part where you scroll to unlock the rest of this week’s stories. We hope you enjoy!
Johan Inger returns to the Paris Opera Ballet to open its 2024-25 season with his piece "IMPASSE," reflecting on his personal connection to the Palais Garnier, where he performed nearly 30 years ago. Alongside works by William Forsythe, "IMPASSE" explores themes of youth, space, and hope, combining the grit and glamour of the iconic venue with the dynamic energy of contemporary ballet.
The Joffrey Ballet, founded in 1956 with the vision that ballet is for everyone, is the focus of a new exhibit at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, showcasing the company’s impact on American ballet. The exhibit features rare artifacts and media from the Joffrey archive, highlighting the company’s diverse origins, innovative choreography, and cultural influence, and will be on display until March 2025.
Ingrid Silva, a longtime Dance Theatre of Harlem star and co-founder of Blacks in Ballet, has recently expanded into choreography. Her latest work, Intersections of Life, will premiere with Chattanooga Ballet as part of their 50th anniversary celebration, featuring original music by Leandro Albuquerque and a cast of seven dancers.
After a performance of Swan Lake at the Metropolitan Opera House, American Ballet Theatre's artistic director Susan Jaffe surprised Chloe Misseldine by promoting her to principal dancer in front of 3,000 cheering attendees. Misseldine, 22, who started ballet reluctantly as a child, has since developed a deep passion for the art and quickly ascended in the company, becoming a soloist before this recent promotion.
If You Are Around This Weekend
Ballet Hispánico is hosting its 2024 Celebración Latina Family Day on Saturday, October 5, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on West 89th Street, offering performances, dance lessons, and family-friendly activities in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Eduardo Vilaro, the artistic director and CEO, has led the organization, now the nation’s largest Latino cultural group, through its growth while embracing its mission to reflect the diverse heritage of the Latino community.
If You Feel Like Watching
Cuban American director brings heritage alive with Virginia Ballet The Latin Ballet of Virginia, led by artistic director Marisol Betancourt-Sotolongo, blends flamenco, Afro-Cuban, and other dynamic dance styles to celebrate culture and heritage through powerful performances. Executive director Arianna Moore, inspired by the company since childhood, now helps guide the ballet’s mission to share their passion and create a cultural community that feels like family.
Emma Portner, known for her work in commercial dance and choreography for Justin Bieber, wishes the focus would shift from her past associations and personal life to her artistry. As she nears 30, Portner reflects on her evolving career, including her critically acclaimed ballet Islands, while navigating personal challenges and seeking a future defined by kindness, creativity, and balance.
If You Feel Like Listening
Associate Artistic Director Wendy Whelan speaks with choreographer Caili Quan about her journey from studying dance in Guam to performing with BalletX in New York and transitioning to full-time choreography. Quan reflects on how her culture, family, and sense of home influence her work, which Whelan describes as embodying "warmth, grace, and generosity of spirit.
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