News
Megan Kamler and Shannon Rodriguez Named Co-Artistic Directors of Rochester City Ballet
Megan Kamler and Shannon Rodriguez, current dancers with Rochester City Ballet (RCB), have officially been named Co-Artistic Directors of RCB as announced by their Board of Directors. In this role, Kamler and Rodriguez will be responsible for the overall dance and outreach programs of RCB, providing leadership, vision and direction in the areas of artistic planning and performance.
Said Stephanie Knittel Rynkowski, RCB Board Chair, “Society’s ideas about ballet have shifted through the years. That’s why we need leaders that will take this time of incredible opportunity to build on RCB’s rich history while bringing it boldly into the future. The talent, vision and leadership that both women possess for translating desired moods, messages, concepts, and ideas of a piece into the dancers’ movements on stage also makes them perfectly suited for the roles of co-artistic directors.”
Kamler and Rodriguez will work closely with the RCB Board of Directors, company dancers, production and administrative staff, and volunteers to bring the community a diverse repertoire of performances that range from full-length, classical canonical works to original works by established and emerging choreographers.
Both Kamler and Rodriguez joined Rochester City Ballet after receiving training at the Timothy M. Draper Center for Dance Education and the University of Arizona where they earned a Bachelors of Fine Art in Dance. Kamler has been a company member of RCB since 2011 and Rodriguez joined RCB in 2015. Kamler and Rodriguez have been featured in several principal and soloist roles for RCB in classical and neoclassical ballets, as well as in contemporary works.
Said Kamler, “Shannon and I plan to continue to elevate the artistic vision of Rochester City Ballet with a renewed approach of innovation, inclusion, impact and collaboration to drive the company’s artistic excellence to even greater heights.”
Said Rodriguez, “As dancers who trained at Timothy Draper’s school, both Megan and I are honored to be named co-artistic directors of RCB and are inspired to begin an exciting new chapter at the company that he founded. We are 100 percent prepared to set the artistic vision and strategy for RCB during this time of incredible opportunity.”
2023
Rochester City Ballet welcomes two new Artistic Directors
WUHF Fox Rochester, October 2nd, 2023
The Ugly Ducking performs at Nazareth College Arts Center
WHAM Channel 13, April 27th, 2023
2022
The RPO & Roc City Ballet present The Nutcracker
Spectrum News Rochester, November 18th, 2022
Rochester City Ballet present “The Firebird”
Fox News Rochester, May 12th, 2022
The Kingdom of Sweets comes to Rochester
Campus Times, December, 10th, 2022
Special RCB News Update: Jessica Tretter Announces Retirement
Rochester City Ballet leading dancer Jessica Tretter has announced her retirement from the company after the 2021/22 Season. Ms. Tretter graduated from the Draper Center for Dance Education, the official training school for Rochester City Ballet. She began her professional career at The Houston Ballet and later with the San Antonio ballet. She returned to dance with the Rochester City Ballet in 2007 and has delighted us with her artistry ever since.
“After a very short fourteen seasons with Rochester City Ballet, I have decided to retire from company life at the end of this season,” Ms. Tretter said. “I can finally say how long I’ve been a part of RCB without feeling old! I am on the older end, and that, along with a gut feeling that it is “time,” is why I’ve finally made the dreaded decision all dancers think about from the moment they get that first job. Or even before. But I will say that, while bittersweet, it is not as scary now as it once was. I have watched my colleagues, who feel more like family, grow and improve and dazzle. They have inspired me to be a better dancer and artist every day I step foot in the ballet studio. Without such amazing coworkers, directors, and ballet masters supporting me, I would not be stepping away feeling so fulfilled. This company is truly one of a kind. I look forward to cheering them on from the audience in the coming seasons! For my next stage in life, I can be found teaching Pilates and ballet, and looking forward to seeing where life takes me!”
As Jessica ended her performance career with RCB, she performed in their production of Firebird, as the lead, and was also featured in a special farewell solo choreographed by Jamey Leverett.
“Jessie is a transcendent artist,” said RCB Artistic Director Robert Gardner. “Her technique, timing, and instincts are impeccable. She has a singular ability to inhabit her roles and connect with audiences allowing us to savor every facet of the music and the character. Offstage, Jessie brings a phenomenal work ethic and is a role model to her peers on a daily basis. My first experience working with Jessie was early in 2020 when I became the Artistic Director of RCB mid-season. Immediately, Jessie took me with her elegant lines, pristine technique, and compelling musicality – a versatile ballerina in command of an eclectic repertoire. I felt so lucky to join the company and be able to work with her. And though I recognize Jessie’s desire to retire, I carry a weight of sadness about her departure. As Jessie takes her final bow on our stage, I have to reconcile the fact I have had too short a time to create for and collaborate with this wonderful artist and remarkable individual.”
Jamey Leverett, Artistic Director of the Draper Center for Dance Education, states, “I was artistic Director of RCB at the time when Jessie decided to return to Rochester and continue her career dancing for RCB. As you can imagine, I was thrilled to have her back. Jessie is a stunning dancer with beautifully long arms and legs that fill the stage. Her extremely quick, articulate footwork and her passionate, warm, and genuine artistry have inspired me throughout the creation of many of my ballets, most notably in Bravo! Colorado, Le Tombeau de Liberace, and The Blood Countess.”
Leverett went on to state, “While I loved creating for Jessie, it’s also been a thrill to watch her in masterworks like George Balanchine’s Serenade and Who Cares. Throughout Jessie’s career, she has amassed an incredible body of work, and her technique and artistry grew with every new challenge. I believe I will personally miss Jessie’s presence on the RCB stage the most every year at the Eastman Theatre, where I look forward to her iconic rendition of the Dew Drop Fairy, a role near and dear to my heart. Jessie, you will be greatly missed, but we are all so grateful for the beautiful memories and the evenings of dance you have made just that much more enjoyable for us all. You have made an incredible impact on RCB and the arts in Rochester, NY.”
2021
Nutcracker coming back to Rochester
WHEC News-10, November 25, 2021
Sugar Plum Fairy returns: ‘The Nutcracker’ comes back to Rochester stage
13WHAM, November 24, 2021
Front-Row Seat: Rochester City Ballet returns to the Fort Hill stage in Canandaigua
Daily Messenger, October 14, 2021
Rochester City Ballet dancer says he is ‘alive again’ ahead of new performance
Rochester First, October 5, 2021
Rochester City Ballet Rochester City Ballet returning for live, in-theater 2021-2022 season
WHEC News-10, August 30, 2021
Rochester City Ballet to hold free performances at Highland Park this weekend
Democrat & Chronicle, May 27, 2021
Rochester City Ballet kicks off digital series with ‘Dangerous Liaisons’
Rochester City Newspaper, February 15, 2021
Rochester City Ballet launches digital winter series
Good Day Rochester, February 15, 2021
2020
Keeping Rochester’s ‘Nutcracker’ holiday tradition going
RochesterFirst.com, November 23, 2020
Rochester City Ballet to stream The Nutcracker
Fox Rochester, November 18, 2020
Rochester City Ballet prepares for virtual live performance
Fox Rochester, October 18, 2020
City Ballet finds a wealth of talent in new director
Rochester Business Journal, February 28, 2020
Rochester City Ballet welcomes new artistic director
Fox Rochester, February 21, 2020
Rochester City Ballet to Pemiere ‘Moulin d’Paris’
Messenger Post Media, February 19, 2020
2019
Beyond the Nest reviews Rochester City Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty
Beyond the Nest, May 18, 2019
Julia Erickson talks about Sleeping Beauty
WROC-8, May 13, 2019
Sleeping Beauty previewed on Good Morning Rochester
13-WHAM, May 12, 2019
Rochester City Ballet rehearsal open to the Public
Canandaigua Post, May 10, 2019
Millenial Influence Grows at Rochester City Ballet
Rochester Business Journal, April 12, 2019
Beyond the Nest Reviews Rochester City Ballet’s Dangerous Liaisons
Beyond the Nest, March 23, 2019
Lies and seduction
Rochester Business Journal, March 21, 2019
Rochester City Ballet delivers passion
WROC-TV, March 20, 2019
This Week We’re Joined By
James Corey on WPXY, March 5, 2019
Rochester City Ballet seeks BalletROC participants
Messenger Post, Feb. 20, 2019
2018
A Holiday Favorite Returns to Canandaigua
Messenger Post, November 29, 2018
“Nutcracker” returns to Kodak Hall
WROC-TV, November 19, 2018
Dancers prepare for iconic classic Nutcracker
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, November 18, 2018
Things to do Around Rochester from Nov 8 to 14
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, November 8, 2018
RPO, Rochester City Ballet prepare for ‘Nutcracker’
Good Morning Rochester, November 2, 2018
Rochester Chamber’s biggest event celebrates Top 100 companies
Democrat & Chronicle, November 1, 2018
Beyond the Nest Reviews Tutus & Tango
Beyond the Nest, October 1, 2018
New Martine Series Features Ballet
Evening Tribune, September 30, 2018
Rochester City Ballet Presents Tutus & Tango
13-WHAM, September 27, 2018
Dance Tutus & Tango
City Newspaper, Sept. 27, 2018
New Heights for Rochester City Ballet
WROC-TV, September 26, 2018
Beyond the Nest Reviews Stravinsky/Bowie
Beyond the Nest, May, 2018
Longest Standing Member of Rochester City Ballet to Leave
Democrat & Chronicle, May 15 2018
Rochester City Ballet to present Stravinsky/Bowie
The Post, May 9, 2018
Rochester City Ballet presents Cinderella
13-WHAM – March 8, 2018
Ballet dancer lands dream role
WROC-TV – March 6, 2018
Two ballerinas tell what it’s like to play Cinderella
Democrat & Chronicle – February 23, 2018
Classical: Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake
Rochester Business Journal – February 7, 2018
Rochester City Ballet performs in Elmira
18News – January 23, 2018
Rochester City Ballet performs Dr. Seuss classic for kids
WENY – January 24, 2018
Radio Interview with Artistic Director David Palmer
WPHD – January 22, 2018
Rochester City Ballet to perform at Clemens Center in Elmira
Press-Sun Bulletin – January 16, 2018
2017
Holiday Magic
Democrat and Chronicle – November 19, 2017
Local Stars Headline 30th Anniversary of The Nutcracker
Fox News – November 14, 2017
Rochester City Ballet dancers fuse dance and craft beer
Democrat & Chronicle – October 17, 2017
Rochester City Ballet Receives Shubert Grant
Rochester Business Journal – June 7, 2017
Three Rochester Arts Organization Receive National Grant
Democrat & Chronicle – June 7, 2017
Rochester City Ballet to perform ‘Green Eggs & Ham’
Victor Post – March 22, 2017
Rochester City Ballet to perform ‘Summer of Love’
Penfield Post – March 10, 2017
‘Dark Side of the Moon’ eclipsed by Summer of Love
Democrat & Chronicle – March 6, 2017
Rochester City Ballet pays visit to College Town
Campus Times – February 27, 2017
Masquerade Ball to Benefit Rochester City Ballet
Fairport-East Rochester Post – February 15, 2017
2016
Five Things to Do this Weekend
Post-Messenger – December 1, 2016
Rochester City Ballet Brings “The Nutcracker” to Canandaigua
Daily-Messenger – November 24, 2016
Rochester City Ballet and Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra Team Up for The Nutcracker
Spectrum News – November 24, 2016
Choice Events
City News – September 8, 2016
Interview about Slightly Sinful
The Justin Reilly show – September 4, 2016
Rochester City Ballet to open season with ‘Slightly Sinful’
Democrat & Chronicle – September 2, 2016
Arts Beat: Behind the scenes at Slightly Sinful
Democrat & Chronicle – September 2, 2016
Interview with guest choreographer Danny Rosseel and David Palmer
Mark Gruba on WROC – August 31, 2016
Rochester City Ballet to premiere ‘Slightly Sinful’
Webster Post – August 22, 2016
Guest Bartenders to support Rochester City Ballet
Democrat & Chronicle – August 16, 2016
Rochester City Ballet Debuts Bowie Dance
Democrat & Chronicle, May 13, 2016
Rochester City Ballet: Dancing on the ‘Edge’
Democrat & Chronicle – May 6, 2016
Rochester City Ballet readies Bowie dances
Democrat & Chronicle – May 6, 2016
Miami City Ballet Dancers to Perform in Ballet on the Edge
Irondequoit Post – May 5, 2016
Rochester City Ballet prepares David Bowie-inspired show ‘Ballet on the Edge’
Fairport-East Rochester Post – May 4, 2016
Blog post
Rocgirlgang – May 4, 2016
Rochester City Ballet to hold Bowie-themed performance
Democrat & Chronicle – April 23, 2016
The City Seen
City Newspaper April 17, 2016
Dancer Jim Nowakowski coming to Nazareth College in May
Democrat & Chronicle – March 25, 2016
25 Top Things to do in Rochester
Vacationidea.com
No Plans? Masquerade Ball This Weekend!
Democrat & Chronicle – Feb. 15, 2016
RCB Masquerade Ball
WROC TV – Feb. 16, 2016
In Series and Washington Ballet team up for Carmen in Havana
DC Theatre Scene – Feb. 8, 2106
A marriage of opera and ballet in ‘Carmen in Havana’
The Washington Post – Feb. 7, 2016
Mascots compete in “Ugly Duckling” competition
WROC TV – February 3, 2106
Red Wings, Knighthawks Mascots Keep Ballet Dancers On Their Toes
Time Warner Cable News – February 3, 2016
RCB Presents The Ugly Duckling
WROC TV – February 2, 2106
The Ugly Duckling and the Rochester City Ballet Four Parts
Fox Rochester – January 26, 2016
An Old tale with a Timeless Message of Tolerance
Arts Air & Explore Dance.com – January, 2016
Rochester City Ballet holds studio performance
Democrat & Chronicle – January 23, 2016
No Plans? Check out the Rochester City Ballet
Democrat & Chronicle – January 19, 2016
Ballet Leaders Plan New Moves for 2016
Rochester Business Journal – January 8, 2016
Rochester City Ballet to peform “The Ugly Duckling”
The Webster Post – January 6, 2016
Rochester’s new leaders share their vision for 2016
Democrat & Chronicle – January 2, 2016
2015
Janet Lomax previews The Nutcracker
WHEC-TV – November 26, 2015
Mark Gruba on The Nutcracker
WROC-TV – November 24, 2015
Palmer settles in at Rochester City Ballet
Democrat & Chronicle – November 20, 2015
New Director of Rochester City Ballet
Good Day Rochester WHAM-TV – October 23, 2015
Rochester City Ballet holds Open House
Democrat & Chronicle – October 25, 2015
The Washington Ballet’s David Palmer Joins Rochester City Ballet Staff
Broadway World – October 19, 2015
Rochester City Ballet Hires Artistic Director
Democrat & Chronicle – October 17, 2015
Rochester City Ballet Names Artistic Director
WXXI – October 17, 2015
Rochester City Ballet searches for artistic director
Democrat & Chronicle – September 18, 2015
Webster reality TV star returns home
Democrat & Chronicle – September 4, 2015
Ballet performs for kids with special needs
Democrat & Chronicle – August 1, 2015
Art inspires Tyzik music and Leverett ballet
Democrat & Chronicle – May 2, 2015
Rochester City Ballet’s latest In Studio session
Democrat & Chronicle – April 30, 2015
Concert review: ‘A Night of Dance’ with RPO is magical
Democrat & Chronicle – March 13, 2015
2013
Bill Evans choreographs piece for Rochester City Ballet
WhatsUpRoc.com – May 16, 2013
RCB celebrating 25 years with spring performances
YNN (video clip) – May 17, 2013
Preview of Past, Present & Future
City Newspaper – May 15, 2013
“Brighton’s Balletrista” – Interview with Jessica Tretter
Brighton Pittsford Post – May 15, 2013
On air interview with Jamey Leverett & Jessica Tretter
WHEC News – May 13, 2013
Bill Evans choreographs piece for Rochester City Ballet (includes videos)
Democrat & Chronicle – May 12, 2013
Video and interview at our studios
13WHAM News – May 8, 2013
Mid-sized community features mighty cultural clout
Democrat & Chronicle – May 5, 2013
Career in ballet dancing requires combination of emotion, technique
Democrat & Chronicle – HerRochester.com – April 5, 2013
Rochester City Ballet heading to Jacob’s Pillow
Democrat & Chronicle – March 12, 2013
Concert Review: RPO & RCB “New York Cityscapes”
City Newspaper – Music Blog – February 2, 2013
2012
Alesi lands 1.3M for area hospitals, arts
Democrat and Chronicle – December 13, 2012
Rochester City Ballet company members guest artists for The Nutcracker
Galesburg.com – Illinois – December 7, 2012
Review – The Nutcracker, a lush treat for Thanksgiving weekend
Democrat and Chronicle – November 23, 2012
Interview – Jesse Campbell & William Moore, Jr.
WHEC – News 10 – November 19, 2012
Ballet Dancer overcomes injuries to give athletic performances
Democrat and Chronicle – November 18, 2012
One of a Kind – William Moore, Jr.
Democrat and Chronicle video link – November 18, 2012
Emma Hodson joins Rochester City Ballet
Fairport-East Rochester Post – September 28, 2012
Eureka Teen to study at Rochester, NY ballet company
Pentagraph.com – Bloomington, Illinois – August 12, 2012
RCB Announces 25th Anniversary Season
Irondequoit Post – August 2, 2012