National Ballet of Washington, D.C.
| Company type | Ballet company |
|---|---|
| Industry | Performing arts |
| Predecessor | Washington Ballet |
| Founded | 1962 |
| Founder | Jean Riddell, Frederic Franklin |
| Defunct | 1974-06-13 |
| Fate | Ceased operations |
| Headquarters | Washington, D.C. , United States |
Area served | United States, Canada, Mexico |
Key people | Jean Riddell (President), Frederic Franklin (Artistic Director), Ben Stevenson OBE (Co-Artistic Director 1971–1974), Ralph Black (General Manager), Oleg Tupine (Ballet Master), Ottavio DeRosa (Principal Conductor) |
| Products | Ballet performances, ballet school education |
The National Ballet of Washington, D.C. was an American ballet company established in 1962 through the initiative of Jean Riddell, granddaughter of the founder of PET Evaporated Milk, alongside artistic director Frederic Franklin. Its creation was made possible with financial backing from the Ford Foundation.
The company held its inaugural performance on January 3, 1962, at the George Washington University's Lisner Auditorium. In 1972, it relocated its residency to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and ultimately ceased operations on June 13, 1974.
Throughout its existence, the National Ballet embarked on extensive tours, reaching audiences in nearly every U.S. state except two, as well as performing across Canada and Mexico.
From 1971 until 1974, Ben Stevenson OBE was appointed co-artistic director.
History
Frederic Franklin joined the Washington Ballet as co-director in 1958 under founder Mary Day and contributed original choreography to the company. However, he resigned in April 1961 due to disagreements regarding the company's artistic direction.
In 1962, Jean Riddell—then chair of the Washington Ballet Guild and a dedicated arts supporter—and Frederic Franklin co-founded the National Ballet of Washington, D.C., with financial assistance from the Ford Foundation. Riddell took on the role of president for its supporting body, the National Ballet Society. They also launched the National Ballet School, which enrolled approximately 250 students while limiting class sizes to no more than 15.
Franklin articulated their vision: "The school and company are intended for America and all talented dancers we can identify and nurture. Our ambition is to establish a national company in the capital city founded on artistic principles akin to those of the New York City Ballet and the original Sadler's Wells Ballet." Riddell emphasized: "Naming it 'National Ballet' was a deliberate choice reflecting a mission not only centered on Washington but with aspirations for expansion."
Following three months of preparation, the company’s first performance took place on January 3, 1962, at George Washington University's Lisner Auditorium. The event was graced by George Balanchine, co-founder and choreographer of the New York City Ballet, and concluded with an impressive thirteen curtain calls.
Dancers
Among the principal dancers were Sonia Arova, Alida Belair, Marilyn Burr, Eugene Collins, Jean-Paul Comelin, Ivan Dragadze, Roderick Drew, Anita Dyche, Stevan Grebel (1965–1971), Daniel Franck, Jacqueline Hepner, Claudine Kamoun, Desmond Kelly, Christine Knoblauch, Michelle Lees, Roni Mahler, Carmen Mathe, Kevin McKenzie, Yvonne Meyer, Ivan Nagy, Kirk Peterson, Dennis Poole, Stuart Sebastion, and Andrea Vodehnal.
The soloist roster included James Capp, Roy Gean, Helen Heineman, Judith Helman, Hiller Huhn, Linda Kintz, James Maher, Lucy Maybury, Patricia Mideke, Jane Miller, Judith Reese, Judy Rhodes, Judith Rigler, Ilona Russell, Thomas Russell, Christine Spizzo, Frederic Strobel, James Thompson, and Franklin Yezer.
Members of the Corps de Ballet featured Mariana Alvarez, Charlotte Belcher, Roger Bigelow, Phyllis Blake, Karen Brown, Nancy Davis, Evelyn Ebel, Susan Frazer, Susan Gore, Katherine Laqueur, Maxine Mahon, Sheryl McKechnie, Andrea Price, Betty Risen, Susan Smith, Patricia Sorrell, Llanchie Stevenson, and James Thompson.
Esteemed guest performers included Dame Margot Fonteyn from the Royal Ballet, as well as Violette Verdy, Patricia McBride, and Edward Villella representing the New York City Ballet. Additional distinguished guests comprised Gaye Fulton (Zurich Ballet), Fleming Flint (Paris Opera Ballet), and Seija Simonen (Helsinki Dance Company).
The initial graduates from the National Ballet School who joined the company were Sheryl McKechnie, Judy Rhodes, and Betty Risen.
Staff
Ralph Black, who previously managed the National Symphony Orchestra, held the position of General Manager. The role of Ballet Master was fulfilled by Oleg Tupine. Ottavio DeRosa acted as Principal Conductor, supported by James McInnes as Associate Conductor. Stage management duties were overseen by James Gamble, while costume design and maintenance were managed by May Ishimoto.
Repertoire
The National Ballet of Washington, D.C. presented a repertoire that included timeless masterpieces such as Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Giselle, Les Sylphides, La Sylphide, and Coppelia. Their performances also showcased distinguished pieces like Con Amore, Homage au ballet, Raymonda Pas de dix, Sylvia Pas de deux, Bachianas Brasileiras, Tribute, Legend of the Pearl, Night Song, The Four Temperaments, La sonnambula (Balanchine), Othello, Danse Brilliante, Le Combat, and Serenade.
External links
- National Ballet of Washington, DC on Facebook
- Enchantment Comes with National Ballet, Bruce Dunning, St. Petersburg Times, January 24, 1966.