As City Ballet prepares to open its spring season on April 18, marking two years of performances since reopening the theater, its dancers — once only connected by a Zoom screen — are finally showing true cohesion.
that returns to the stage this spring. Choreographed by Gianna Reisen, it isn’t the most visionary piece in City Ballet’s repertoire — but it represented a turning point for the company. “We have worked really hard at the school and the company to make sure there is intention in the work — not just how they take class, but how they take risks onstage with the right ideas in their head. I see this intentionality leading to better technique, but also bigger and bolder performance. There’s a confidence and energy that I don’t think we’ve seen in a while because of what we are doing at the school and supporting them when they get to the company.
When asked about balletcore, Stafford said that he had not heard of it. He was happy though — it helps him ensure there is a certain hype and mystique surrounding the company to draw new audiences in.