(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- New Jersey Dance Theatre Ensemble (NJDTE)’s 46th anniversary celebration continues as it brings its spring repertory performance, “i Balli di Primavera!” to Montclair, NJ for the first time on April 16, 2016 at 2:00pm. The acclaimed pre-professional company will perform three world premieres by renowned choreographers Shannon Gillen, NJDTE’s first AiR® choreographer in residence; NJDTE alumnus Samuel Asher Kunzman, a finalist in the BalletMet; and Artistic Director Nancy Turano.
The production features 60 talented young dancers ages 7 through 18 from across New Jersey. Repertory favorites by Turano, Kunzman and Kate Skarpetowska, who was named one of Dance Magazine’s “25 to Watch” for 2016, complete the mixed bill program of ballet, modern and contemporary works. The Ensemble will appear at Memorial Auditorium at Montclair State University for one performance only on April 16, 2016 at 2pm.
New Jersey Dance Theatre Ensemble celebrates over 45 years of excellence as a pre-professional training school and performing company. Since its inception in 1969, NJDTE has maintained a successful dance curriculum with an unparalleled outcome of artistic excellence. The Ensemble provides mentorship programs and access to master artists and choreographers as role models, providing a network for the dancers to succeed as performing artists in higher education and as professionals in the field. An esteemed advisory panel of the country’s most inspired dance artists supports the Ensemble. Throughout the year, a full schedule of classes in ballet, modern, pointe and contemporary dance for dancers ages 7-18 are taught by faculty from prominent companies and schools, including the Paris Opera Ballet, Limón Dance Company, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Twyla Tharp and Lar Lubovitch, among others. NJDTE’s MIP & Pre-MIP programming offers advanced contemporary and improvisational skills in New York City for dancers ages 17-22. The Ensemble presents a full-length production of “The Nutcracker” at Montclair State University, annually premieres new works by innovative artists-in-residence with its AiR® Program, and maintains a diverse repertory by renowned choreographers. The company also offers continuing support for its alumni with employment opportunities as NJDTE staff members and guest artists.
Photo by Maryanne Teng Hogarth