News Release
For Immediate Release
Contact: Logan McSwain, communications manager
704.372.0101 x2765
lmcswain@ncdance.org
Grant will support the North Carolina Dance Theatre School of Dance's
Pre-Professional Training Program
Charlotte, N.C. - North Carolina Dance Theatre received a $50,000 grant from the Surdna Foundation to support North Carolina Dance Theatre School of Dance’s Pre-Professional Training program. The funding will go to sustain Patricia McBride’s work with Pre-Professional students, as well as to increase alumni support, marketing initiatives and scholarships.
The School of Dance’s Pre-Professional Training program seeks to provide an intensive, collaborative art-making experience for teenagers ages 14 to 18 who demonstrate the talent and commitment required to pursue a professional career in dance. The 35-week program offers a rigorous schedule of classes, rehearsals and performances.
“Patricia is passing on an amazing legacy to our young dancers,” said Darleen Callaghan, director of the School of Dance. “She shares stories with our students about her time with Mr. Balanchine, Mr. Robbins and the amazing partners she has had. Her teaching emphasizes speed, endurance and artistry, all hallmarks of Mr. Balanchine’s technique. Not to mention how sweet and nurturing she is with the students!”
NC Dance Theatre Associate Artistic Director Patricia McBride became New York City Ballet’s youngest principal dancer at age 18. During her three-decade career, McBride performed all over the world and danced for five American presidents. She joined Dance Theatre in 1996 as associate artistic director and began training and coaching students in the School of Dance.
The Surdna Foundation has supported McBride’s teaching in the School of Dance’s Pre-Professional program with a $50,000 annual gift since the 2005-2006 Season, with the exception of the 2008-2009 Season, when the Foundation’s guidelines dictated a mandatory year off from the funding cycle.
Established in 1917 by John Emory Andrus, the Surdna Foundation is based in New York, N.Y., and makes national grants in the areas of environment, community revitalization, effective citizenry, arts and the non-profit sector. The Surdna Foundation’s Arts Program supports the artistic advancement of teens ages 12 to 18. The Foundation believes high-impact, long-term experiences creating art, in all disciplines, with accomplished professional artists contribute to teens’ ability to explore their own identities and relationships to the world.
In May 2009, the Foundation’s Board of Directors met to approve 127 grants totaling $11,238,856. Of those approved at the May 2009 Board meeting, 13 grants were to arts organizations and seven, including Dance Theatre, were for dance and dance-related programming.
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.
###
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. |
