Manhattan News
American Ballet Theatre has announced that after a 20-year career as a principal dancer with the company, Julio Bocca, will dance his final performance with the company in Kenneth MacMillan's "Manon," on June 22. If you were fortunate enough to see him perform, particularly in "Romeo and Juliet" with Alessandra Ferri, you have not forgotten it.
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Bocca studied at the Instituo Superior de Arte del Teatro Colón, won numerous medals, and founded Ballet Argentino in 1990. He will dance with that group until December 2007. It is hoped that his company will appear in New York in the near future.
Another new space for dance in Manhattan, a 25,000-square-foot performing arts center for dance creation, education and performance, has opened, thereby contributing to the post 9/11 renaissance of Lower Manhattan. Dance New Amsterdam, a highly regarded dance organization, moved into its new home at 280 Broadway in February. DNA, has fostered the growth of contemporary dance and offered dance education in a variety of techniques. DNA now occupies the two lower floors of the palatial renaissance revival building, built in 1846, and known as the Sun Building. DNA's executive director, Charles Wright, expects 2000 students weekly to take advantage of some 130 classes and a new art gallery, café and rehearsal spaces. The building includes a 135-seat theater, with expectations for a new film series, an in-house contemporary dance company, a Pilates studio and a physical therapy room. For information about DNA's 20-year past and upcoming 50 inaugural performances contact: www.dancespace.com.
Funding for DNA came from the Office of the Mayor, New York City Council, NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, Office of the Manhattan Borough President, Council members, corporations and foundations.
The prestigious Princess Grace Awards deadline is May 1, 2006. The awards to Americans in dance are for scholarships and fellowships, as well as a new category: a choreographic fellowship. The applicant must have been nominated by an artistic director of a non-profit company, for the scholarship or fellowship awards; and an artistic director for the choreographic award of a non-profit company. This is an extraordinary opportunity for young professionals, who have already proven their merit and need additional recognition and funds to reach their potential. For complete information, contact: www.pgfusa.com.