The world of ballet is continuing to take center stage into the new year!
Georgia Finnegan, founder of St. Paul Ballet, delves into Minnesota’s ballet history in her new book, Grace & Grit, celebrating its rich legacy while addressing recent challenges like the closure of key institutions. Meanwhile, the dance world mourns the loss of visionary South African choreographer Dada Masilo, celebrated for her groundbreaking fusion of African dance and classical ballet, who passed away at just 39. Finally, step behind the scenes of the New York City Ballet’s The Nutcracker to witness the artistry and dedication that bring this iconic production to life at Lincoln Center.
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Dada Masilo, a celebrated South African dancer and choreographer known for blending African dance with bold reinterpretations of classical ballets like Swan Lake and Giselle, died unexpectedly on Sunday in Johannesburg at 39. Renowned for addressing themes such as gender, race, and societal issues through her fast-paced, innovative works, she left a profound impact on global dance and was working on an autobiographical solo piece at the time of her passing.
Photo Credit: Jeff Swensen for the New York Times
The history of ballet in Minnesota began in 1945 when Lorand and Anna Adrianova Andaházy founded the state's first classical ballet academy, weaving their love story into the art's legacy. Chronicled in Georgia Finnegan’s book Grace & Grit, this rich tradition has faced recent challenges, with declining donations leading to closures of key institutions like the Cowles Center and the Minnesota Dance Theatre.
A dancer reflects on her tumultuous relationship with pointe shoes, from the pain and self-doubt of her early years to rediscovering joy and freedom through adult ballet classes. Despite the enduring physical challenges, she finds strength and individuality in dancing en pointe, embracing the transformative power of ballet and the community it fosters.
Marianela Nuñez, Principal Dancer at The Royal Ballet, has been awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in His Majesty The King’s New Year’s Honours for her exceptional contributions to dance. Celebrated for her artistry and international acclaim, Nuñez has captivated audiences worldwide and will perform in Onegin, Romeo and Juliet, and Balanchine: Three Signature Works in 2025.
Photo Credit: Broadwayworld.com
Kirsten Simone, a renowned Danish ballerina and leading figure of the Royal Danish Ballet during the 1950s and ’60s, passed away on Dec. 19 at age 90. Known for her versatility and artistry, she transcended traditional Danish repertoire, performed internationally, and remained dedicated to ballet throughout her life, mentoring younger dancers and preserving the art form’s legacy.
The Grand Kyiv Ballet, founded in 2014 by Oleksandr Stoianov, captivated audiences with their performance of The Snow Queen at the Edmonds Center for the Arts, featuring costumes crafted in Ukraine under wartime conditions. The company, comprising many Ukrainian dancers, tours internationally while raising funds for the Kyiv State Ballet College, with plans to return to Seattle in May to perform Swan Lake.
Photo Credit: Karen Ducey/The Seattle Times
If You’re Around This Weekend
Ballet Nepantla returns to the Rio Grande Valley this weekend with Nacimiento, a blend of Mexican folklórico and contemporary dance, exploring mestizaje and festive Christmas traditions. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. at Edinburg’s ACE Center; tickets are $10 on Eventbrite or balletnepantla.com.
If You Feel Like Watching
Step behind the curtain at the Lincoln Center to uncover the effort and artistry that goes into the stunning New York City Ballet performance of The Nutcracker. This video offers a glimpse into the rehearsal process, from precise choreography and costume preparation to the final moments before NYCB Principal Dancers grace the iconic stage.
If You Feel Like Listening
This week’s episode of the Ballet Help Desk provides invaluable information for ballerinas looking to take the next step. The DataPointes Guide, created by former dancer Jason Yeung, uses publicly available data to reveal which ballet training programs produce the most professional dancers. This insightful resource offers aspiring dancers a valuable tool to navigate the competitive and uncertain path to a ballet career in the U.S.
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