(NEWARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) is proud to present New Jersey Ballet revealing their new era of creative energy under the leadership of Artistic Director Maria Kowroski. There are two New Jersey Ballet Performances, Friday, May 3 at 7:30pm and Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 1:00pm. With its 65-year legacy of excellence, New Jersey Ballet is poised for a new era of creative energy under the leadership of Artistic Director Maria Kowroski.
Get a glimpse of her vision for the company’s future at this performance, which includes: Purcell Suite, with choreography by one of the most exciting talents of this generation, Harrison Ball, and costumes by renowned fashion designer Zac Posen. Murder Ballades, an exuberant piece inspired by dark American folk songs with choreography by Justin Peck. And a World Premiere work choreographed by Lauren Lovette, former principal dancer of the New York City Ballet and current Resident Choreographer at Paul Dance Company.
Tickets range from $49-$69 and are available for purchase online, by calling 888.GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722) or by visiting the NJPAC Box Office. NJPAC is located at One Center Street in Newark, New Jersey.
New Jersey Ballet’s Founder, Carolyn Clark, established New Jersey Ballet Company in 1958 with her dance partner from Ballet Theater, George Tomal. Ms. Clark’s vision was to establish a professional dance company for New Jersey while maintaining the highest standards of quality and artistry.
Since the Company’s inception, Ms. Clark advanced New Jersey Ballet to become a renowned arts institution in New Jersey. In 1971, New Jersey Ballet premiered its first performance of Nutcracker at the Paper Mill Playhouse. Ms. Clark invited world renowned dancer and star of the New York City Ballet, Edward Villella, to perform the role of Cavalier. Since the Company’s first performance of Nutcracker, it has become a timeless tradition for families and is New Jersey’s longest running professional production.
During Ms. Clark’s directorship, New Jersey Ballet added a number of full-length classics to the Company’s repertory including, Sleeping Beauty, Giselle and Don Quixote. The Company was also the first dance company in the United States to present the full-length Esmeralda, which premiered at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark. Ms. Clark also expanded the Company’s repertory to include master works by George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, Anthony Tudor, Agnes de Mille, Robert Joffrey and William Dollar. Additionally, New Jersey Ballet commissioned a number of new works by renowned artists including Edward Villella, Johan Renvall, Robert North, Michael Vernon, Pedro Ruiz and George Tomal to name a few.
Maria Kowroski became Artistic Director of New Jersey Ballet in November 2021, and her appointment has seen a new creative energy fuel an artistic renaissance within the institution. In a very short period of time, Ms. Kowroski has expanded the repertory of New Jersey Ballet to include a number of works by renowned choreographers, including George Balanchine, Christopher Wheeldon, and Jerome Robbins. She recently commissioned a new work by Harrison Ball, principal dancer at New York City Ballet. The new work included a collaboration with world-renowned fashion designer Zac Posen, and the premiere on November 19, 2022, received rave reviews and a standing ovation.
Ms. Kowroski’s new artistic vision calls for an expansion of workweeks for the artists by adding performances and venues. Forming new collaborations with arts organizations and growing community programming that establishes diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Ms. Kowroski plans to leverage her experience and extensive dance world connections to bring new repertory to communities throughout New Jersey.
New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), located in downtown Newark, N.J., is America’s most diverse performing arts center, and the artistic, cultural, educational and civic center of New Jersey – where great performances and events enhance and transform lives every day. NJPAC brings diverse communities together, providing access to all and showcasing the state’s and the world’s best artists while acting as a leading catalyst in the revitalization of its home city. Through its extensive Arts Education programs, which have reached almost 2 million children, NJPAC is shaping the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts. NJPAC has attracted more than 10 million visitors since opening its doors in 1997, and nurtures meaningful and lasting relationships with each of its constituents.
