Welcome back to this week’s edition of Dance Rhythm, your go to source for all
things ballet!
First meet Evelyn Cisneros-Legate, the first Mexican-American prima ballerina who overcame discrimination by embracing her identity and now inspires the next generation through her studio. Then add Helen Pickett’s Crime and Punishment to your watch list as this piece inspired by Fyodor Dostoevsky’s novel delves into the complexity of human nature with an inclusive cast and modern elements. Meanwhile, Dallas Black Dance Theater’s 48th season is overshadowed by protests from dancers who were fired after a union vote, claiming retaliation, which now threatens the company's new season.
All of this more is waiting for you so lace up those pointe shoes and hit the stage!
Photo Credits: Michela Dwyer
The National Ballet of Ukraine and the Shumka Dancers delivered a powerful performance at the Kennedy Center titled Nadiya Ukraine, blending the richness of Ukrainian culture with the stark realities of war. Through vibrant choreography and emotional depth, the dancers embodied hope, resilience, and the essential role of art in difficult times.
Dallas Black Dance Theater opened its 48th season with a celebration of African dance, but the event was overshadowed by protests from fired dancers and union activists. The dancers, terminated after a union vote, claim retaliation, while the company defends the decision as a response to an Instagram video that allegedly violated its policies, igniting a broader dispute that
now threatens the new season.
Helen Pickett's full-length ballet Crime and Punishment, running October 30 to November 3 with American Ballet Theatre, is a modern psychological thriller inspired by Fyodor Dostoevsky’s novel. Pickett, along with co-director James Bonas, explores the complexity of human nature through choreography, an inclusive cast, and a timeless setting, while a commissioned score and video design help delve into the protagonist's internal struggles.
Photo credits: Mihaela Bodlovic, courtesy Pickett
The latest ballet roster updates feature promotions at Stuttgart Ballet, Staatsballett Berlin, and Pacific Northwest Ballet, among others, while new dancers have joined companies like Ballet Memphis, Dance Theatre of Harlem, and Paris Opéra Ballet’s inaugural junior company. Additionally, awards and recognitions include Dutch National Ballet principal Olga Smirnova winning the 2024 Alexandra Radius Prize and Ballet Black's Ebony Thomas receiving a nomination for Best Performer at the Black British Theatre Awards.
If You’re Around This Weekend
Wonderment, American Repertory Ballet's 2024-2025 season opener, will captivate both new and seasoned ballet audiences with a diverse program. Highlights include Antony Tudor's Little Improvisations, Lar Lubovitch's Something About Night, the iconic Black Swan Pas and Coda from Swan Lake, and the world premiere of a new ballet by Ethan Stiefel inspired by composers Jean Baptiste Lully and Marin Marais. Join them from October 18-20 for this exciting performance!
If You Feel Like Watching
Roy Lozano's Ballet Folklórico de Texas, founded over 40 years ago, celebrates Mexican culture through vibrant performances that highlight indigenous traditions and regional histories. With a diverse group of 40 professional dancers, the company connects generations and welcomes participants from all backgrounds, showcasing the beauty and joy of folklórico dance.
Evelyn Cisneros-Legate shares her inspiring journey of becoming the first Mexican-American prima ballerina. At just 14, she began auditioning for top ballet companies, where she faced discrimination. Refusing to conform, Evelyn chose to embrace her unique identity and stand out rather than fit in. With determination and talent, she rose through the ranks at the San Francisco Ballet, ultimately making history as the first Mexican-American prima ballerina.
Boston Ballet principal dancer Lia Cirio is celebrating her 20th year with the company by choreographing a world premiere piece for the upcoming season. Her years of experience have given her the confidence to lead her peers and bring her creative vision to life, while also inspiring more female dancers to take on roles as creators.
If You Feel Like Listening
In this episode, Philip Neal, former New York City Ballet Principal Dancer and current Artistic Director of Next Generation Ballet, shares his experience shaping young dancers while championing the art of ballet. He discusses his transition from performer to director, the importance of mentorship, and how he helps dancers secure trainee and second company placements, all while balancing excellence and passion.
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