Performances
Digitally
February 12-21, 2021
Sleeping Beauty – Streaming NOW!
Based on a 13th century legend adapted by the Brothers Grimm, the ballet tells the story of a cursed princess saved by true love. Other classic characters such as Little Red Riding Hood, the Blue Bird, and Puss & Boots appear in the celebration.
Please join us for this tour de force of ballet. Note: traditionally Sleeping Beauty can be more than three hours. RCB has adapted this ballet to keep it under two hours and appropriate for our youngest fans. We will begin the story when the Prince meets the Lilac Fairy in the forest and will include the classic Aurora’s Wedding as our second act.
Access and ticket information can be found by clicking the button on the left!
Digitally
March 12-21, 2021
Green Eggs & Ham
Rochester City Ballet presents a charming retelling of Green Eggs and Ham, that iconic Dr. Seuss children’s book about Sam-I-Am pushing his odd-colored meal on the stubborn narrator. Choreographed by former Artistic Director David Palmer, this family-friendly production is sure to please dance and story-lovers of all ages!
Access and ticket information can be found by clicking the button on the left!
Digitally
January 15-31, 2021
Dangerous Liaisons
This sophisticated drama of love and intrigue is based on the Pierre Choderlos de Laclos novel of the same name. David Palmer’s original choreography with the Washington Ballet was brought to Rochester’s ballet-loving community, at the Nazareth College Arts Center, in March 2019. Enjoy this twisted plot of seduction, betrayal, conquest, and heartbreak set to Vivaldi’s iconic The Four Seasons concerti.
Access and ticket information can be found by clicking the button on the left!
Thanksgiving through
Christmas Eve
New Years Day!
The Nutcracker
A Virtual Performance
Rochester City Ballet’s holiday favorite “The Nutcracker” will be coming to your home virtually this season. While we will miss performing at the Eastman Theater, with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and the Bach Children’s Choir, you can experience this family tradition at home – sharing the magic and beauty of this wonderful production with family and friends near and far. The performance will be streamed from Thanksgiving Day until Christmas Eve. Be sure to gather your favorite holiday treats as you sit back, relax, and begin your holiday season with this magical production.
Access and ticket information can be found by clicking the button on the left!
As a special holiday gift – from all of us at Rochester City Ballet – enjoy this short video!
The Season of Awakening
A Message from RCB Artistic Director Robert Gardner
At the Rochester City Ballet, we are determined to do our part in slowing the spread of the virus and have returned to the studio, practicing all the recommended protocols and creating wonderful dance again. For our 2020/21 season, that opened in October. I had already titled my first full season with the Company “The Season of Awakening”, which now seems even more appropriate.
On October 24th we presented a virtual performance/fundraiser – Ballet Reawakened – which included George Balanchine’s ballet ode to George Gershwin – “Who Cares?” – Salvatore Aiello’s evocative “The Waiting Room” to Arvo Paart’s emotionally resonant Fratres, and my first ballet for the company – “An American Concerto” – to a score by Gwyneth Walker. (Scroll down for information about the production.)
In this brave new world for the performing arts, these works will be offered virtually, and though the excitement of seeing dancers in person may be missed, the passion and artistry will shine though the screen. We will continue with a Fall Series of virtual offerings of favorite performances.
Rochester City Ballet’s holiday favorite “The Nutcracker” will be coming to your home virtually this season. While we will miss the Eastman Theater and performing with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and the Bach Children’s Choir, you can enjoy this family tradition at home and share the magic and beauty of this wonderful production with family and friends near and far. Access information will be coming soon.
And in the spring, we look forward to returning to the stage in 2021 with an exciting program including a world premiere by award winning choreographer Katarzyna Skarpetowska. In addition “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” will bring a breath of fresh air after wintering at home.
“Fall under the spell of a moonlit evening in an enchanted forest, filled with star-crossed lovers and mischievous fairy-folk. Robert Gardner’s exuberant telling of Shakespeare’s finest comedy is sure to delight one and all!”
As always, we thank you all for your continued support of Rochester City Ballet. The Company and I look forward to bringing dance to you – in whatever form we can!
Stay safe and healthy,
Robert
Saturday,
October 24, 2020
Time:
7:00 pm
Click here to view an exclusive interview with Robert Gardner on Fox Rochester as he talks about preparing for this virtual performance!
Ballet Reawakened
Live Virtual Fundraising Event
Hosted by Diane Chevron
Online silent auction
Virtual meet & greet with the Company following the performance
RCB merchandise
And more!
An American Concerto
World premiere
Robert Gardner draws on inspiration from the challenges and devastations of isolation throughout this time of pandemic to create this original work set to Gwyneth Walker’s composition of the same name. In his inaugural season with Rochester City Ballet, Gardner premieres this timely piece as an exploration of relationships and individual revelation.
Rochester City Ballet premiere
A concert version of the original full-length ballet, set to an orchestration of beloved Gershwin tunes arranged by Hershy Kay – Be transported to the romance and vibrance of New York City’s bustling night time scenery! RCB is working with Balanchine Repetiteur Deborah Wingert to bring Mr. Balanchine’s vision and classic choreography to Rochester’s audiences for the first time since 2013.
Salvatore Aiello’s The Waiting Room
Rochester City Ballet premiere
This evocative contemporary piece set to music of Arvo Pärt meets our current moment of global pandemic with relevance and emotion. As the three women portrayed in this piece grapple with the anxiety and tumult of unknowing, they are strengthened by each other. Repetiteur and Curator for the Salvatore Aiello Trust Jerri Kumery stages and coaches this exceptional work for our company members.
