Arts & Entertainment

North Carolina Dance Theatre

Founded in 1970, North Carolina Dance Theatre is the oldest professional ballet company in North Carolina. Today, the organization enjoys a national reputation for excellence in programming, education and outreach, and dance training.

Under the artistic direction of Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux and Patricia McBride, former New York City Ballet stars, Dance Theatre has attracted superb dancers and built a versatile and diverse repertoire ranging from full-length classical ballets to innovative contemporary works. The Company presents up to seven productions throughout a regular nine-month season in Charlotte at the North Carolina Blumenthal Performing Arts Center.

The holiday classic Nutcracker, Dance Theatre’s most popular production, runs for two weekends every December and is attended by thousands. Nutcracker tells the story of Clara, a young girl presented with an extraordinary Nutcracker doll by her mysterious uncle, Herr Drosselmeyer. Dance Theatre’s Nutcracker takes audiences on a journey to a glittering Land of Snow and the majestic Land of Sweets. In addition to Nutcracker, Dance Theatre offers other family-friendly story ballets through its Matinee Magic Series.

North Carolina Dance Theatre is known for exciting audiences with its contemporary series, including the annual Innovative Works every fall. Created by Artistic Director Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, Innovative Works features cutting-edge choreography exploring a variety of themes and styles.

Resident Choreographer Dwight Rhoden, whose choreography was recently featured on the hit Fox television show “So You Think You Can Dance” travels to North Carolina several times a year to create and stage his ballets for the Company. Rhoden is former principal dancer with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and current artistic director of Complexions Contemporary Ballet in New York City. Dance Theatre also performs the works of well-known choreographers including Alvin Ailey, George Balanchine, Nacho Duato, Alonzo King and Twyla Tharp, to name a few. 
 
Perhaps what makes Dance Theatre so exciting is the Company’s incredible range. From world premieres, to the works of world famous choreographers, and from classical story ballets to cutting-edge contemporary works, the stunning artistry of North Carolina Dance Theatre continues to captivate audiences.

courtesy of North Carolina Dance Theatre

added: June 26, 2009

updated: July 1, 2009