Featuring Pre-Professional Students and School Alumni
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Charlotte, N.C. - Catch the dance stars of tomorrow in the North Carolina Dance Theatre School
of Dance Benefit Performance Thursday, June 4, at 7:30 p.m. This performance features students from the School of Dance’s Pre-Professional Division and alumni.
The Pre-Professional Division is the highest division in the School of Dance. Many students in this division move on to have professional careers in dance. “The School’s Pre-Professional Division strives to provide students interested in a professional career with the technique and training that will enable them to pursue their goals,” said Darleen Callaghan, director of the School of Dance.
NC Dance Theatre Associate Artistic Director Patricia McBride is restaging George Balanchine’s Donizetti Variations, Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux, Union Jack and Who Cares?. At age 18 McBride became the youngest principal dancer in New York City Ballet, under the artistic leadership of George Balanchine. She now stages many of his ballets for North Carolina Dance Theatre and the School of Dance.
Choreographers and School faculty members Sabrina Berry, Mark Diamond, Heather Ferranti Ferguson and Madeline Guerdat will all present works. In addition to performing David Morse, School alumnus and member of NC Dance Theatre 2, will also present a work.
Featured alumni performers include Allyssa Bross and Silas Farley, current students at the School of American Ballet in New York City; Ellen Hummel, student at the San Francisco School of Ballet; and Trey Mauldwin, principal dancer with Charleston Ballet Theatre.
New this year, there will be a pre-show reception with food and champagne and an informal discussion on dance with Artistic Director Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, Patricia McBride and Courtney Elizabeth Wright, an alumna of the School and current Corps de Ballet member with San Francisco Ballet. Tickets for the reception are $50 and also include premium performance seating.
About the Repertory Ensemble
Under the direction of Bonnefoux, McBride and Callaghan, Repertory Ensemble members work with NC Dance Theatre’s professional company in class, rehearsals, performances and on tour. The Ensemble is an Honor Company with the Southeastern Regional Ballet Association, an affiliate of Regional Dance America.
“Dancing in the Repertory Ensemble is a great experience for students wanting an opportunity to perform,” said Callaghan. “These students are extremely committed to their training and are usually in class and rehearsals six days a week.”
The Repertory Ensemble is open to students ages 13 and up by audition only. Students are primarily training for professional performing careers in classical ballet or modern dance, but are also encouraged to pursue their interests in teaching, choreography and arts administration.
“We are very proud of our students,” said Callaghan. “Watching these students perform gives the audience a chance to see the next generation of professional dancers.”
Performance Details
| Date: |
Thursday, June 4, 2009, 7:30 p.m.
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| Location: |
Booth Playhouse
North Carolina Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
130 North Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28202
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| Cost: |
Patron tickets are $50 and include premium performance seating and a pre-performance champagne reception. Reserved tickets are $15 and include performance ticket only. Tickets available at 704.372.1000 or ncdance.org.
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| Sponsor: |
Moore & Van Allen |
About the North Carolina Dance Theatre School of Dance
North Carolina Dance Theatre School of Dance opened its doors in September 1993. The School includes two satellite locations at Spirit Square and Charlotte Country Day School. As the only dance school in North Carolina affiliated with a nationally recognized professional dance company, the School offers the highest quality of dance instruction to students of all ages and levels of ability. The School of Dance parallels the professional Company’s tradition of excellence by providing a nurturing and structured environment that encourages individuality, creative expression and an appreciation for the art of dance.
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Details:
North Carolina Dance Theatre has established itself as one of America’s premier dance companies. Led by internationally acclaimed President and Artistic Director Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, NC Dance Theatre is based on strong dancers, high energy and a versatile repertoire that ranges from classical ballet to bold contemporary works. NC Dance Theatre School of Dance parallels the professional company’s tradition of excellence.
North Carolina Dance Theatre is supported, in part, with operating support by the Arts & Science Council. Dance Theatre is also supported by individuals, corporations, and local and national foundations, the North Carolina Arts Council, ArtsTeach, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
To find out more about NC Dance Theatre visit ncdance.org. |
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