BalletX

BalletX

Year: 2017-2018
DanceForce Member: Nancy Long
Artists: BalletX
Community Partners: Hamilton College, Herkimer County BOCES, Utica Dance Foundation
Audience: 40
Counties: Herkimer, Oneida

Following many years of bringing primarily modern dance companies to Oneida County to provide workshops and performances, it seemed a perfect time to bring in BalletX. Working with Lois Welk, the company agent and DanceForce member, we discussed our plan to provide an opportunity for area youth participate in workshops with the company members. When the logistics of arranging the workshps at a specific school proved to be impossible, BalletX was engaged to conduct four services (90 minutes each) for two groups of local dancers from Utica.

Christine Cox, the Co-Founder and current Artistic & Executive Director, brought her company to the Utica Dance Studios for the workshops on Friday, October 27, 2017. The company members, working in two teams, met with the two groups: less experienced dance students ages 9-15 and more experienced dancers ages 13-17. The first session focused on contemporary ballet technique from 4:00-5:30 and from 5:30-6:45 company members conducted classes in repertory excertped from the works to be presented the next evening at Hamilton College on October 28, 2017. Following the movement workshops, the company and student participants met for a question and answer session moderated by Christine Cox.