Sarah Joan Smith and Jack Miller in Vestiges by Colin Connor. Richmond Ballet. All Rights Reserved. Photo by Sarah Ferguson.
April 6, 2024 | 7 pm @ J W Adams Combined School
Richmond Ballet Studio Company graces the stageinthe Wise County Performing Arts Center at J.W. Adams in Poundat 7 p.m., Saturday, April 6.The programfeaturesIgor Antonov’s“The Legend of the Swan Queen,”a beautiful take on a classic favorite,set tothe music of Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, as well asa contemporary pas de deux,Colin Connor’s“Vestiges,”andaplayful and energetic work fromtheballet’sAssociate Artistic Directorentitled“Calling.”Tickets are $10at the door. Children and studentswill beadmitted free.Formore information andtomake reservationsvisitproartva.org.
Pro-Art dedicates this performance to the late Lona Roberts, a founding member of the organization who passed away in July of last year. Shewas instrumental informingPro-Art along withthe nonprofit’s first Executive Director,DaisyPortuondoand several other communitymembersin the late '70s.Robertswas also highly dedicated to her family,ensuring her daughtershad the chance to study ballet from a young age.With the immense support of her mother and father, and15years of dedication to the artform, their daughter Tracy Robertsbecame aprofessional balletdancerat20years old when she joined Richmond Ballet as one of their original professional company members.After learningTracyhad joined Richmond Ballet, Pro-Art made sure the companyadded a stop in Southwest Virginia to their tour — atraditionthathas continued throughouttheyears, thanks in large part toa mother’sdevotionto herfamilyandcommunity.
Get ready to be enchanted by“The Legend of the Swan Queen”featuring the spirited PrinceSiegfried who falls in love with the beautiful Swan Queen Odette. An evil sorcerer comesbetween them as this story of magic, mysteryand transformation unfolds. Paired with theclassical selections from Swan Lake with Tchaikovsky’s emotive score,“The Legend oftheSwan Queen”displays the innovation of dance today.Igor Antonovis a former professional dancer from Ukraine who has danced for Donetsk Ballet, DeutscheOperam Rhein in Dusseldorf, Germany, and was a medalist andBestCouple award winner at the International Ballet Competition in Jackson, Mississippi.
“Calling”is a vibrant, modern ballet filled with energetic movement and delicate partnering. Setto playful Mediterranean music byKrokeTrio and GoranBregovic, Ma Cong’s work exudes passion and power.Hehas been widely recognized by the dance world as a bold, bright, and inspired artist and choreographer. Ma Congstarted his dance career at the Beijing Dance Academy, where he trained in the art of Chinese classical dance. He danced with The National Ballet of China from 1995 until 1999, prior to his move to the USA.
In an excerpt from Colin Connor’s“Vestiges,”two dancers display their undeniable connection,reminiscent of a moth to a flame. With music by Michael Nyman, this contemporary and powerful duet explores whathappens when our world is shattered and how we recapture the sources of our power, ournatural elegance, and the immediacy of the world around us.Connor’swide-ranging dance career encompasses being theaward-winningchoreographer of over 60 works, the Artistic Director of Limón Dance Company, an educator at many of the world’s foremost dance centers, a Professor Emeritus at the California Institute for the Arts, and a widely recognized dancer.
Pro-Art partners with a variety of venues, therefore individuals withaccessibility needsor general questions are encouraged to call (276) 376-4520 or emailpro-art@uvawise.edu. For evolving conditions related to weather cancelations, or similar unforeseen circumstances, patrons are encouraged to checkproartva.orgfor up-to-date information.
Category: Dance