The Pittsburgh Ballet Theater Over The Years Yugoslavian choreographer Nicolas Petrov is believed to be the father of Pittsburgh Ballet when he joined the Playhouse dance faculty Playhouse in 1965. By 1968, he has started to create minor shows like The Nutcracker. The interest for the company grew and this led to their transfer to a more spacious Lawrence Hall at the heart of Pittsburgh. In 1970, the company had its first show at the Playhouse. Likewise, the production started its first season at Syria Mosque from 1970 to 1971. Then, the ballet group hailed the newly renovated Heinz Hall as its home from 1971-1972. Due to the growing popularity of the group, several donors bought a building at downtown Pittsburgh which will serve as their new home. This new building will house their studios, their school and their production rooms. When Frederic Franklin became a co-artistic director for the theater in 1974, the company enjoyed tremendous improvement. Four years after the inclusion of Franklin, 67 percent of budget for the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater is generated through ticket sales. However, their classes and a few rehearsals were being conducted at Point Park College. Upon the payment of the balance that the group owed, they became free from any ties with the school. The Petrov-Franklin partnership ended when the former opted to concentrate on his teaching job at Point Park. The departure of Petrov prompted Franklin to leave as well. With no definite leader, the company named former London Festival Ballet main dancer John Gilpin as Artistic Director but his short tenure was marred by health concerns. The condition of Gilpin prompted the Board of Trustees to name French dancer and choreographer Patrick Frantz as Artistic Director in 1978. Frantz initiated the drive for more contemporary pieces in succeeding productions and he staunchly pushed for a company-ran school. During PBT’s 10th anniversary in 1980, the dance group became a member of the American Guild of Musical Artists. Likewise, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Lynn Swann has been nominated to the Board of Trustees. After four years in service, Frantz left his position to concentrate on choreographing more productions. Because of which, he was substituted in July 1982 by Patricia Wilde who initiated the drive to perform adaptations of the masterpieces from George Balanchine of New York City Ballet. PBT continued its path to success that by 1983, the relocation to its current spot at 2900 Liberty Avenue at the heart of Pittsburgh is imminent. Around this time, the company also played a vital role in the inception of a new Pittsburgh arts center. The then newly-formed Pittsburgh Cultural Trust was able to raise $42 million to renovate Stanley Theater into what is now known as the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts. PBT, as well as the Pittsburgh Dance Council, the Civic Light Opera and the Pittsburgh Opera agreed to be a constituent of the center which was inaugurated in 1987. Wilde left the company in 1997 and was succeeded by Terrence S. Orr. The former American Ballet Theater principal dancer then produced ballets that spring from the music of popular
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artists like Frank Sinatra, Bruce Springsteen and Sting. In 2002, The Pittsburgh Ballet Theater again performed The Nutcracker. Four years after, the popular Choreographer Showcase was inaugurated at the Pittsburgh High School for the Creative and Performing Arts. You can visit the website www.balletacademypgh.com for more helpful information about Quick History Of Pittsburgh Ballet Theater For further details, Visit http://www.mahoushoujolyricalnanoha.com
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