Wendy Whelan, whom The New York Times has called "America's greatest contemporary ballerina," has danced with New York City Ballet for nearly 30 years. With the company, she has mastered Balanchine's neo-classical repertory, dance classics such as Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake and created works with many of today's leading choreographers. Following hip surgery and a successful recovery period, Whelan, 46, will return to City Ballet this spring season and will dance her final performance with the company on October 18.
Having reached the height of her field, Whelan launched the Wendy Whelan New Works Initiative in 2012 with Restless Creature, a suite of four duets, each with its own distinct style and artistry, created by Kyle Abraham, Joshua Beamish, Brian Brooks and Alejandro Cerrudo with whom Whelan also performs. Information on new and rescheduled tour dates is below.The second project that is being developed will be an evening of new works for Whelan and Royal Ballet Principal Dancer Edward Watson. The production will be co-commissioned by The Royal Ballet and New York City Center, among others, and co-produced by The Joyce Theater Foundation and Sunny Artist Management. The world premiere, presented by The Royal Ballet, will take place in the Linbury Studio Theatre at the Royal Opera House in London in July 2015. New York City Center will present the North American premiere in the spring of 2016 at City Center. Choreographers and collaborators, along with an international tour, will be announced at a later date. In addition to co-commissioning and co-producing the project with Edward Watson, The Joyce Theater Foundation will continue to serve as the fiscal sponsor for the Wendy Whelan New Works Initiative.Videos