The State Ballet of Rhode Island

The State Ballet of Rhode Island

Dance

Website: http://www.stateballet.com

 (401) 334-2560

 (401) 334-0412

 52 Sherman Avenue, Lincoln, RI 02865

The State Ballet of Rhode Island is a non-profit, regional, repertory company which was founded in 1959 with a multi-fold purpose of promoting, maintaining, and increasing interest in classical ballet. The State Ballet of Rhode Island (SBRI) is Rhode Island’s first established classical ballet company in residence that performs a service for its region. SBRI is one of the longest standing civic ballet companies in the United States; it is unique in that one of its original co-founders, Herci Marsden continues to serve as its Artistic Director. Its mission is to create, present, preserve and extend the great repertoire of classical dancing through exciting performances and educational programming of the highest quality, presented to the widest possible audience. Since its premiere performance in November 1960 at Veterans Memorial Auditorium, SBRI has sustained itself for five decades, performing in a wide variety of venues. Also, SBRI is the state’s first ballet company to offer a Cultural Enrichment Program to our community schools. The Explore Ballet Workshop is designed to offer an on-site ballet curriculum, including demonstrations and short performances. The Field Trip to the Ballet gives an opportunity to attend a live ballet production at a theater, where students and faculty are guided through all aspects of a performance. It is in this venue where the choreographer is able to discuss the mechanics of staging, music, lighting, and the ballet itself. Discussions take place with the students, and include the physical training and history of ballet. The State Ballet of Rhode Island maintains its mission:

  • To provide artists with an opportunity to experience the arts through diverse and creative programs and performances
  • To provide a creative outlet for dancers, composers, musicians, writers, and costume designers
  • To serve as a place where talented dancers can share in their passion
  • To provide opportunity to develop new generations of ballet patrons through our “Project Ballet in Education” programs.

Over The State Ballet’s long history, SBRI has performed with the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra, Providence Opera, at numerous state-wide civic celebrations and has represented Rhode Island around the United States and Europe. Former Company Dancers of The State Ballet of Rhode Island have gone on to work with many prestigious dance companies all over the world. Many male and female dancers have established their own companies.