Dancing Into Fall

With summer drawing to a close, a common theme echoed by many is that it was too short and it was too cool. Yet, even with fall fast approaching, area dance companies are ready to turn up the heat.

Following a very busy summer with its summer dance intensive and various performances throughout the summer, Festival Ballet Providence is still putting the finishing touches on its 2014/2015 performance schedule. And, as this article was set to go to press, they were reluctant to divulge any details until they are able to finalize all they have planned for their 37th season.

As Providence’s resident professional ballet company, one can expect, according to their website, “audience favorites to timeless traditions to never-before-seen new works.” In keeping with past years, they will present several full-scale productions at The Vets along with their annual production of The Nutcracker at PPAC. Dance fans can also expect more from their critically acclaimed Up Close On Hope dance series, featuring many world and RI premieres, and the wildly popular chatterboxtheatre, a dance series for children.

For more information about FBP and its upcoming season visit: festivalballet.com.

Meanwhile, in the northern part of the state, RI’s oldest ballet company, The State Ballet of RI, is busy preparing for its remarkable 55th season! SBRI executive director Ana Marsden Fox proudly states that with “Herci Marsden at the helm, SBRI maintains its artistic integrity while adding to the beautiful quality of life New England has to offer.”

SBRI’s season opens October 11 with a special performance on the steps of the Statehouse at the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Research Foundation Flames of Hope Weekend. Ms. Marsden Fox notes that “new works are underway for this deeply emotional event and SBRI could not be more honored to join the Foundation for a fourth year as a partner in spreading breast cancer awareness.” In December, they move indoors to RIC’s Roberts Hall for their annual holiday production of a snowy Coppelia.

Ms. Marsden Fox is also proud to announce that SBRI will continue with its popular Project Ballet Coffee Hour, From Studio to Stage, with two presentations planned for this fall: October 18 and November 15. She observes that “audience members have the unique opportunity to find out how a ballet is created, with topics ranging from the training of a dancer to the inspiration of a choreographer.”  Each Coffee Hour will feature music, lectures, visual performances and a chance meet and greet the dancers. These events are free and offer complimentary refreshments.

For more information about SBRI and its upcoming season visit stateballet.com.

For something a little different and highly entertaining, Island Moving Company’s Newport Nutcracker at Rosecliff is well worth the trip across the bridge. This original and innovative production of E.T.A. Hoffman’s holiday classic takes place in Rosecliff Mansion. Audience members move from room to room, as if they are guests at a Christmas party, and watch the dancers as the story unfolds. From the opening scenes on the marble staircase in the mansion’s foyer to the grand pas de deux in the grand ballroom, this is a truly magical ballet not to be missed. Also, be sure to look for local celebrities in various walk-on roles.  Tickets are limited and these performances usually sell out, so reserve your tickets early.

In some very exciting news, IMC opens their season September 12 and 13 in Richmond, Va., performing with Amaranth Arts. At the end of the month, they will return to RI for an invitation-only performance of Brom Bones Tale, based on The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. In October, they share the stage with the Rhode Island College Dance Company for a special collaborative evening of dance. IMC’s fall/winter season concludes with The Nutcracker.

For more information about IMC and its upcoming season visit islandmovingco.org.

Other fall/winter dance offerings of note:
Heritage Ballet, The Nutcracker, December 19-21, Stadium Theatre in Woonsocket. Yet another production of this holiday classic. heritageballet.com
Fusionworks Dance Company, Fall Concert Series sponsored by the Rhode Island College Dance Company, October 24. Featuring original contemporary and modern works choreographed by artistic director Deb Meunier, company dancers and guest artists. fusionworksdance.org
Providence Ballet Theatre, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. No date has been set yet for this original and charming holiday production created by artistic director Eva Marie Pacheco. providenceballet.org
Rhode Island’s Ballet Theatre, Holiday Show, December 21 at Newport’s Casino Theatre, dancers from RIBT’s pre-professional dance company will perform a variety of holiday selections. riballet.org