The Richmond Ballet tours the commonwealth and has earned designation as the state ballet of Virginia. The company has performed at New York's Joyce Theater, one of the nation's leading centers of dance. The ballet critic of The New York Times considers Richmond's "Nutcracker" among the finest productions in the land. A June jete will carry the Richmond Ballet across the Atlantic.
On June 15 and 16 the troupe will perform at the Linbury Studio Theatre within London's Royal Opera House. Its programs will feature the eclecticism that has become its trademark. The ballet also will dance at Richmond upon Thames, the hometown's sister city. Londoners will see a company that continues to advance in artistic development. Central Virginia enjoys a ballet company whose accomplishments transcend those of companies in bigger metropolitan areas. The Richmond Ballet will offer a preview of its London season with performances at its downtown Studio Theatre June 6-8.
Ballet values tradition. Dancers pass along roles to protégés. The line of performers in masterpieces such as "Swan Lake" and "Serenade" resembles apostolic succession. A 1949 tour of the Sadler's Wells Ballet — which became the Royal Ballet — awoke many Americans to the beauty of classical ballet. Margot Fonteyn charmed audiences. The British performances benefitted American ballet, as Americans learned their native companies ranked with the world's best.
Numerous Richmonders cherish memories of Sadler's Wells, the Royal and Fonteyn. This spring the Richmond Ballet will return a favor.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement