When I was a kid, I dreamed of being a ballerina, twirling across a stage in a tutu and toe shoes. My parents signed me up for classes, but I soon learned that a big-boned girl with knock knees would not go far in the ballet world.
Many young girls and boys share that desire to be a dancer. But few have the physicality, persistence and discipline it takes for those dreams to come true.
Only the top young dancers are chosen for the American Ballet Theatre’s Studio Company, an elite group of 11 rising stars who will perform at the Ent Center for the Arts during a two-day residency March 13 and 14.
“Studio Company dancers are the future of ballet, the best of the best,” says David Siegel, Ent Center executive director. “They are among the most exciting artists and athletes in the country, and this is their only appearance in Colorado this year.”
The engagement features two performances: the Signature Evening, a full-length performance in two acts that features works drawn from both the classical repertoire and contemporary choreography; and the Family Matinee, which will feature shorter pieces through narration, explanations and audience engagement.
But that’s not all. Thanks to the efforts of the Dance Alliance of the Pikes Peak Region and Green Box Arts, which partnered with Ent to bring the company to Colorado Springs, the residency will include several master classes for young dancers. The ballet company’s appearances coincide with the Dance Alliance’s 29th annual Esther Geoffrey Scholarship Competition for intermediate and advanced ballet and contemporary dance students ages 12-18.
ABT Studio Company Rehearsal Director and former ABT dancer Eric Tamm will teach a master class that will include judging for ballet contestants. After that class, Green Box Arts co-founder, dancer and choreographer Larry Keigwin will teach a master class that will include judging for scholarships in contemporary dance. ABT Studio Company will also present a master class for University of Colorado Colorado Springs students.
The U.S. Congress designated the American Ballet Theatre, based in New York City, as America’s National Ballet Company® in 2006. The Studio Company prepares exceptionally promising dancers ages 17-21 for careers with leading ballet companies. About 85% of the dancers go on to join ABT’s main company, one of the most prestigious in the world, ABT Studio Company Artistic Director Sascha Radetsky says. Renowned principal dancer Misty Copeland is among the famous alumni.
The company’s Colorado Springs residency is its second stop on a five-city tour of the West, Radetsky says. “It’s going to be a very meaningful engagement there, and I’m excited to introduce our dancers to that area and its vibrant, rich, thriving art scene,” says Radetsky, who has Colorado ties through his parents and performed here as a dancer.
The ABT Studio Company performances are part of the Ent Center’s Artist Series, which brings leading artists to the Pikes Peak region for the enjoyment of UCCS students and the community. The Kirkpatrick Family Fund also provided support for the engagement.
“There is something about this art form that captures the imagination and has inspired people for centuries,” Siegel says. “Being able to carry that forward and share it with youth and families from across the region is really special.”
