Rose Marija - Page 2

THE DANCE GALLERY FESTIVAL was founded in 2007 by Astrid Von Ussar and Mojcar Ussar as a platform to present choreographers in annual showcases in New York City and Texas. This year, there were three performances at the Ailey Citigroup Theatre, September 27, 28, and 29. I attended the September 28th performance which included twelve works. The Festival offers opportunities and community for emerging dance artists, valuable in today's dance world. Today, Astrid Von Ussar is Artistic Director and Andy Noble is Associate Artistic Director.

On August 17, 2019, I attended Ballet Festival's Program D, curated by Edward Watson, principal dancer of London's Royal Ballet and a performer in this program. He was joined on stage by Sarah Lamb, principal dancer of the Royal Ballet; Robbie Fairchild, former New York City Ballet (NYCB) principal dancer; and Maria Kowroski, NYCB principal dancer. There was much anticipation; audiences were eager for what promised to be a highly memorable evening.

​​​​​​​At New York City's Joyce Theater this week, July 16-21, 2019, Maria Kochetkova is performing eight short pieces by seven contemporary choreographers, joined by five dancers of quality. On Wednesday, July 17th, I experienced the sold-out performance.

The Joyce Theater presents The Bournonville Legacy, July 9 - 14, 2019. Excitement was in the air on opening night when I attended. August Bournonville (August 21, 1805 - November 30, 1879) was a dancer, choreographer, and director of The Royal Danish Ballet. His choreographic legacy that emphasized bravura dancing and mime is an important chapter in the history of ballet.

The School of American Ballet's (SAB) annual Workshop Performances are a public demonstration of the continuing tradition of the vision of George Balanchine. Dozens of advanced students participate each year in the school's Workshop, which culminates in three spring performances at Lincoln Center's Peter Jay Sharp Theater with costumes, lights, and live orchestra.

New York City Ballet (NYCB) has gone through some changes in the past year. In an interview with Jonathan Stafford, Artistic Director, and Wendy Whelan, Associate Artistic Director, Whelan said, 'Change is hard, but change is natural. It's not always easy, but it is informative. And ultimately, it's healthy. It's part of life.'

Ballet Stars of today, and many of tomorrow's talented hopefuls, performed at YAGP's anniversary gala, Founded in 1999 by Larissa and Gennadi Saveliev, it is now celebrating its twentieth anniversary. Many of today's most prominent ballet performers first began their careers here.

Two of the world's most highly prized ballet dancers, Russian born Natalia Osipova and South Dakota born David Hallberg joined their talents to perform at New York City Center on April 3-6, 2019. Both have been principal dancers with the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow and American Ballet Theatre in NYC, among other credits.

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, under the direction of Glenn Edgerton, is one of the most accomplished dance companies in the United States today. After an international career with the Joffrey Ballet and later at the Nederlands Dance Theater 1, both as dancer and artistic director, Edgerton brings unique skills to his position. It shows in his company's performances--serious, accomplished and professional--a real mark that the company is a cut above the rest.

The opening night of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago's two-week Return Engagement at the Joyce Theater, NYC was Wednesday 3619; and I was happy to attend. The first-week features works by Ohad Naharin (Director of Batsheva Dance Company, Israel) with DecaDanceChicago which included segments of Naharin's creations, having debuted between 1993 and 2011.

Michele Wiles, Director/Dancer/Choreographer, has opened her newest incarnation of BalletNext at New York Live Arts. Having attended Wednesday, February 20th , I couldn't resist returning onFriday, February 22nd, to see Maria Kowroski perform. This years' company includes eight dancers chosen from the dancers at the University of Utah, School of Dance (U of U), where Wiles has been teaching and choreographing periodically since the spring of 2018. Also on the program was Amar Ramasar, partnering Wiles or Kowrowski (on Thursday and Friday) in a pas de deux from acclaimed choreographer Mauro Bigonzetti's Bachground .

Michele Wiles, former American Ballet Theatre principal dancer, founded BalletNext in 2011, where she serves as director, dancer, and choreographer. She continues to her own unique vision