Thursday, January 11, 2007

Wilmington, N.C. - The internationally acclaimed Carolina Ballet will conduct an Audition Master Class in Wilmington on Sunday, Jan. 21 for it's 2007 Summer Intensive and Residency. The summer residency, a joint effort of the Raleigh-based Carolina Ballet and University of North Carolina Wilmington, is scheduled to take place throughout July. The residency will bring many of the finest young dancers from around the nation to UNCW's campus to work with a renowned faculty of experienced professionals and world-class artists.

Carolina Ballet kicks off a 12-city nationwide tour in early January to audition dancers between the ages of 11 and 21. The Ballet will conduct an Audition Master Class for local dancers on Sunday, Jan. 21 in UNCW's Kenan Auditorium. Audition times are 2 p.m. (ages 11-12) and 4 p.m. (ages 14-21). Tyler and Julie Walters, former Principal Dancers for the Joffrey Ballet and Residency Directors, will give the Audition Master Class. Local dancers accepted to the program will be able to choose between 2 or 4-week sessions.

There is a $20 non-refundable master class audition fee (cash only). Pointe shoes required for those who have begun training on pointe. Women please wear pink-footed tights and black leotards. Men please wear black tights and a white T-shirt to the audition. All auditioning students must bring a 4x6 full body photo in first arabesque.

For further information and inquiries please contact Tyler Walters at (919) 719-0800 ext. 276, or twalters@carolinaballet.com

For more information about the Carolina Ballet and the Summer Intensive and Residency program, please visit www.uncw.edu/arts or www.carolinaballet.com

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Based in Raleigh, the Carolina Ballet has in a few short years quickly established itself as a world-class American ballet company, recently hailed in The Wall Street Journal as one of America's top arts organizations. Artistic Director, Robert Weiss was a principal Dancer for the New York City Ballet for 16 years, and is internationally recognized for his creative and energetic choreography. In September 2006, the Carolina Ballet embarked on a two and a half week tour of the People's Republic of China, one of the very few American ensembles to be invited to do so.

Media Contact:

Courtney Reilly, UNCW Office of Cultural Arts (p) 910.962.2082 / (e) reillyce@uncw.edu