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Richmond Ballet Makes Fourth New York Appearance in Six Years

1/5/2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 5, 2010

Media Contact:
Aaron Sutten
(804) 344-0906 ext. 244
asutten@richmondballet.com

RICHMOND - Richmond Ballet, the State Ballet of Virginia, is pleased to announce that it will return to The Joyce Theatre in New York City from April 6 through 11, 2010. Senator Mark R. Warner and his wife, Lisa Collis, will serve as honorary chairs of Encore New York, which includes a series of events surrounding the week-long engagement.

The Joyce Theatre is considered to be one of the premiere venues for dance in New York City, and a third engagement at the acclaimed theatre speaks to the reputation that Richmond Ballet has built beyond the borders of the Commonwealth. In addition to its two previous Joyce appearances, Richmond Ballet also performed an evening of choreographer Jessica Lang’s work in March 2008 at the Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts.

The company will present six ballets at The Joyce, all of which are Richmond Ballet commissions and Manhattan premieres. The works, which will be performed on two programs, includes Val Caniparoli’s Violin, Colin Connor’s Vestiges, Jessica Lang’s To Familiar Spaces in Dream, William Soleau’s Misa Criolla, Mauricio Wainrot’s Voyages, and Stoner Winslett’s Ancient Airs and Dances. The pieces selected demonstrate clearly Richmond Ballet’s commitment to foster new works and keep the art form alive and relevant.

Artistic Director Stoner Winslett, who is currently celebrating her 30^th season at the helm of Richmond Ballet, is excited about the company’s return to The Joyce. “We believe that we have something truly unique to offer the dance world. The six pieces that we will perform at The Joyce beautifully demonstrate the incredible range and versatility of the company.”

Critics and audience members alike have praised past Richmond Ballet performances at The Joyce, and the New York Times rated Richmond Ballet as “highly recommended.” Critics also enthusiastically hailed Richmond Ballet’s performance this past August at the Chicago Dancing Festival. Calling the company “a real revelation,” Sun-Times critic Hedy Weiss said Lang’s To Familiar Spaces in Dream was “exquisitely danced.”

“We are extremely gratified to be receiving such widespread recognition of our work,” says Winslett. “We have always held ourselves to the highest of standards, and we are glad to have our work acknowledged by the national dance community.”

On previous trips to The Joyce, the Richmond Ballet dancers have been joined by a large contingent of supporters from Virginia, and Winslett hopes that this trip will be no different. “It’s great to have the home crowd there to cheer the dancers on and share in the triumph of a successful run of performances,” says Winslett, “and we have some wonderful events planned for those who want to support us and make the trip with us in April.”

Corporate donors who have already generously committed sponsorships for Encore New York include the Richard S. Reynolds Foundation, Advanced Orthopaedics Centers, Rolls-Royce, JetBlue Airways and PUNCH.