American Ballet Theatre Studio Company. Sylvie Squires in Tchaikovsky pas de deux. Photo by Rosalie O’Connor
On Thursday and Friday, November 14 and 15, Wortham Center for the Performing Arts presents performances by the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) Studio Company, an 85-year-old cultural institution in dance.
The ABT Studio Company is a small collective of young dancers between the ages of 16 and 22, hailing from all over the globe. More than 75 percent of current dancers in American Ballet Theatre are alumni of ABT Studio Company, including Misty Copeland, Isabella Boylston and Calvin Royal III. “Beyond their diversity of skill and talent, these young dancers, who are among the most promising in the world, bring to the stage a magnitude of passion that can thrill audiences,” says artistic director Sascha Radetsky.
American Ballet Theatre Studio Company. Aleisha Walker in Swan Lake Odette Variation. Photo by Erin Baiano
Each season, choreographers—with a focus on females in the industry—are commissioned to create new, custom ballets for the company. “Our programs are anchored by quintessential works from the classical ballet canon, but also include new commissions from some of today’s most original choreographers,” says Radetsky. “Our programs vary broadly in genre, music and story—there’s something for everyone—and showcase the range and virtuosity of ABT’s exciting new generation of ballet dancers.”
As an ambassador for American Ballet Theatre, ABT Studio Company tours venues across the world and has performed in international cities such as London, Athens, Manila, Hong Kong and St. Petersburg.
“Unlike most artistic endeavors, a dance performance is ephemeral and unfolds in real time,” says Radetsky. “Its magic is in the interaction between performer and public, in their exchange of energy and communion with the present moment. For our dancers, a performance is also the culmination of years of daily practice—of intense effort and focus, of persevering through fatigue and often injury. It’s a moment of excitement, purpose and vulnerability, and the most valuable opportunity to grow as an artist. We hope that audiences might feel this import, as well, and that when the curtain falls, both parties are left exhilarated, inspired or otherwise changed for the better.”
Purchase tickets and learn more about the performances, as well as a dance master class and pre-show discussions, at WorthamArts.org.
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