4 replies to this topic

[dirac]

Patricia Barker's contract as artistic director to the Grand Rapids Ballet Company is extended for two seasons.

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But the company may yet conduct a new search for a permanent artistic director beyond the 2012-13 season, according to executive director Glenn Del Vecchio.

"The Grand Rapids Ballet has embarked on an extensive re-organization and strategic planning process. While we complete this process it is important for the ballet to maintain its high artistic standards, and extending Ms. Barker's contract will give us the time necessary to create a long-term plan for growth before we begin a new search for permanent artistic leadership," Del Vecchio said.

[dirac]

Alabama Youth Ballet Theatre holds an open house and rummage sale.

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Dancers with Alabama Youth Ballet Theatre will perform dances from “Snow White,” “Arthur and the Magic Sword,” “Cinderella,” and “The Nutcracker.” Footprints, Alabama Youth Ballet Theatre’s modern dance company for children, will demonstrate dancers’ skills, too. Free sample classes for pilates, Zumba and flexibility will also be held at the open house.

[dirac]

The Indianapolis City Ballet holds its annual "Evening of the Stars."

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"Big-name, established stars" from some of America's finest dance companies, including the American Ballet Theatre, the Joffrey Ballet, New York City Ballet and the San Francisco Ballet, will be showcased during the event, which this year is themed "International Dancers of the American Ballet," said Kevin Hesse, a New Yorker who is the City Ballet's executive director and the show's producer.

[dirac]

Q&A with Guadalupe Medina of Dance Theatre of Tennessee.

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What was your first real job as a dancer? I actually had two experiences that I count as my first real job. One of which was my first guesting experience and the other was my first contract job. I had my first guesting in dance when I was a sophomore in college. It was a minor role but exciting none the less. I had my first contract right out of college. My contract was with the Jean Ann Ryan Production Company on Norwegian Cruise Lines.

When did you know you wanted to pursue a career in dance? I knew when I saw my first ballet that I wanted to be on stage and dance. However, It wasn't until I was a senior in high school that I began dancing.

[dirac]

Promotions and new faces at Houston Ballet.

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Jessica Collado was promoted to soloist. Ms. Collado was born in Coral Springs, Florida and was raised in Atlanta, Georgia. She trained with Lisa Sheppard Robson at Gwinnett Ballet Theatre. During her summers, Ms. Collado attended programs at South Carolina University and Boston Ballet. Between 2001-2003, Ms. Collado attended Houston Ballet's Academy summer intensive training programs as well as performing for a year with Houston Ballet II. Ms. Collado joined Houston Ballet as an apprentice in 2004 and was promoted to a corps de ballet member in 2005.