A full house and standing ovation concluded the Carolina Ballet Summer Intensive and Residency at the University of North Carolina at a Gala Performance on July 28.
This special performance of the Carolina Ballet featured the world debut of two new pieces, Cavalleria Rusticana and The Waltzes of Old Vienna, both which were created during the Raleigh-based company's month-long residency in Wilmington.
Since July 1, Robert Weiss, Carolina Ballet artistic director, 21 company dancers, 20 artistic and production personnel and nearly 100 young dancers from both the U.S. and abroad have resided in Wilmington, offering unique combination of intensive dance training for students and emerging professionals.
"Having these dancers on our campus has been a magnificent experience," said Norman Bemelmans, director of cultural arts.
The Carolina Ballet, in partnership with the UNCW Office of Cultural Arts, initiated a 12-city nationwide tour in early January to audition students for the inaugural session of the dance intensive. Accepted applicants traveled from as far as California, New York, Puerto Rico and Israel.
The students’ intense instruction included six hours of classes and rehearsal focused on ballet technique and pointe, modern, jazz, yoga and body conditioning. Student participants showcased their talent at a free pre-gala performance Weiss called an "incredible, wonderful show."
Throughout the summer program, students in the program and community members had the rare opportunity to witness the Carolina Ballet in action. Through open rehearsals and roundtable discussions with company dancers, participants observed the development and rehearsal process of one of the nation's top dance companies and also took advantage of free films and lectures.
Multimedia presentations highlighting the residency and matinee performance are available.
