Week of Events Commemorates the Ballet’s Vigilant Journey to International Acclaim
RICHMOND, Va. – Ballet in the cinema. Ballet in restaurants. Ballet in the suburbs, and of course, ballet on the stage. During the week of March 17th, the entire Richmond region will become the setting for Leap Week, celebrating the many accomplishments of Richmond Ballet, the State Ballet of Virginia.
Leap Week will include a number of special events to be held throughout Greater Richmond. The weeklong festivities will announce the acclaimed international arrival of Richmond Ballet and culminate with a unique celebration of Richmond Ballet on March 23rd, with cocktails at Page Bond Gallery followed by a seated dinner at Try-me. There will also be a live auction featuring once-in-a-lifetime items.
Richmond Ballet is pleased to announce the honorary chairs for the March 23 celebration are Governor and Mrs. Robert F. McDonnell and Mr. and Mrs. David R. Beran. Selina Rainey and Pamela Reynolds are serving as co-chairs for Leap Week.
“Forty years ago, Altria, which was then Philip Morris, gave its first gift to the world of dance – and Richmond Ballet was its fortunate recipient,” noted Stoner Winslett, Artistic Director of the Ballet. “This year, 40 years later, the Ballet has leapt into the global spotlight, bringing audiences to their feet in the Linbury Studio Theatre at London’s Royal Opera House. Leap Week is meant to celebrate the decades of achievement of Richmond Ballet, and to show Greater Richmond how their city’s Ballet has ‘gone global.’”
Richmond Ballet Managing Director Brett Bonda stressed the inclusive nature of the festivities. “Here in Richmond, many people have not experienced the world of ballet — but this week will give them the opportunity to get to know Richmond Ballet in an up-close and personal way.”
Leap Week’s events will include:
Sunday, March 17th, a kick-off of a week of dance-related film screenings at the recently-opened Criterion Cinemas at Movieland.
On Monday, March 18th, there will be a special evening at the fabulous Can Can Brasserie and other restaurants featuring Richmond Ballet dancers.
On Tuesday the 19th, the community will be invited for a behind-the-scenes experience here at our Ballet building – a wonderful opportunity to see our dancers and The School of Richmond Ballet students in their classes.
On Wednesday, March 20th, Richmond Ballet is thrilled to open an art exhibition featuring original works of art depicting Richmond Ballet company dancers, created by five acclaimed local artists. 50 percent of the proceeds from the sale of the artwork will benefit Richmond Ballet. The evening will include a cocktail reception with the artists and a rehearsal viewing. RSVP required.
On Thursday, March 20th, Richmond Ballet will leave the stages and studios and head to the ‘Burbs – there will be events in areas such as Short Pump and Stony Point featuring performances by our Minds In Motion Team XXL.
Friday, March 22nd, Richmond Ballet and The Royal Ballet School will continue their collaboration with a performance featuring The Royal Ballet School Graduate Class visiting from London and members of Richmond Ballet II, the touring company, in the Studio Theatre, followed by a reception with dancers and artistic staff. Richmond is one of only two destinations on The Royal Ballet School’s U.S. trip; the other stop on their tour will be New York City, where they will perform with American Ballet Theatre’s Studio Company.
Saturday, March 23rd, during the day, there will be Master Classes with teachers from the Royal Ballet School. Dance schools from around the area will be encouraged to participate with their students as well as The School of Richmond Ballet students.
Saturday, March 23rd, a unique celebration of Richmond Ballet begins with cocktails at Page Bond Gallery followed by a seated dinner at Try-me – a unique, artistic Richmond space, and catered by an outstanding Washington, D.C.-based firm known for their exceptional creativity, preparation, food, and service, and featuring wines provided by Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, an Altria company. There will be a raffle drawing for a 2013 Audi Q5 and live auction of a limited number of exclusive packages.
Sunday, March 24th, the final performance of the Royal Ballet School Graduate Class visiting from London and members of Richmond Ballet II in the Studio Theatre.
The presenting sponsor of Leap Week is Altria Group, Inc.
With major support from Dominion Resources, MeadWestvaco, and West Broad Audi.
Additional support provided by:
BB&T, Ernst & Young, Hunton & Williams LLP, ToMarket, and U.S. Trust.
Media partners: Richmond Times-Dispatch, WRIC Channel 8, and Stony Point Fashion Park.
Community partners: Can Can Brasserie, Criterion Cinemas® at Movieland, FeedMore and the Hang 5 artists (Loryn Brazier, Beth Marchant, Nancy Mauck, David Tanner, Tom Wise).
Special thanks to: Page Bond and Pam and Bill Royall.
Richmond Ballet, The State Ballet of Virginia, is dedicated to the education, promotion, preservation, and continuing evolution of the art form of ballet. Richmond Ballet strives to keep meaningful works of dance alive and to produce and foster new works that remain true to these values. The Ballet’s mission is to “awaken and uplift the human spirit, both for audiences and artists.”
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MEDIA CONTACT: January 16, 2013 Hannah Weiss Public Relations and Promotions Coordinator 804.344.0906 x246 hweiss@richmondballet.com
