gallery

DANCE A LITTLE DREAM

by Sharon Smith

Little did they know back in 1970 that these photographs would tell part of Charlotte Ballet‘s story on stage in 2022. That’s Robert Lindgren, dean of dance at the North Carolina School of the Arts (now UNC School of the Arts) in Winston Salem, pictured with dancers who formed a company under his guidance that would one day become Charlotte Ballet.

Innovative 1970, the company’s first show of the year, is a throwback to that time and a tribute to its founding. It’s also a landmark production for Interim Artistic Director Christopher Stuart, who took the helm after Hope Muir’s departure last year. (Muir stepped down after five years to join the National Ballet of Canada as artistic director.) “It’s really been about teamwork,” Stuart says of the collaboration. “Expect beautiful, brand new choreography, costumes and music (some ’70s hits) inspired by our founding year,” he says.

Stuart’s own connection to Charlotte Ballet began years ago as a student at UNCSA. “I used to come down to Charlotte and see the company perform. I’ve also either worked with or danced choreography with almost every previous artistic director, so now to have my current position it all just seems very surreal and full circle.”

A new beginning with a nod to the past. In 1970, the founding dancers on that bus likely dreamed up big plans for their beloved North Carolina Dance Theatre. The name and faces have changed over time, but the dancing never stopped. SP

Charlotte Ballet presents Innovative 1970 from February 4-26. New works will be presented by 2019 Princess Grace Award winner for choreography, Rena Butler, along with NCDT Alumni, Ja’Malik, and Charlotte Ballet Company Artist, Andrés Trezevant. charlotteballet.org In 1970 Robert Lindgren founded North Carolina Dance Theatre, which would move to Charlotte and become Charlotte Ballet. He’s pictured here with members of the original company and the famous bus.