Third and fourth-year students from the School for Classical & Contemporary Dance will have the opportunity to audition for the company. Photo credit: Anita Buzzy Prentiss
The acclaimed Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre is coming to TCU for a two-day educational residency from Sept. 24-25, hosted by the School for Classical & Contemporary Dance (SCCDance). This special event will include an open rehearsal, discussions with the company’s leadership and artists, and a chance for SCCDance third and fourth-year students to audition for the company.
“Observing, dancing and participating in conversations with these professionals will inspire and inform, offering students a chance to better understand the field and to envision their possible futures in it,” explained Associate Professor of Dance Jessica Zeller, who is facilitating the residency.
Since its founding in 1969, the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre has established a legacy of excellence and innovation. Its eclectic style and vibrant energy have been shaped by a succession of distinguished artistic directors for over five decades.
This visit is particularly meaningful for SCCDance, as they are thrilled to welcome former TCU Associate Professor of Dance Adam W. McKinney back to campus. McKinney, now the Artistic Director of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, returns to TCU for the first time since stepping into his new role.
Adam W. McKinney, Artistic Director of the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. Photo credit: Anita Buzzy Prentiss
“The residency will include masterclasses taught by artistic staff, open rehearsals of company repertoire—including George Balanchine’s ‘Allegro Brillante’—panel discussions and conversations with company artists, and an opportunity for students to audition for Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre,” said McKinney. “On a personal note, I await the pleasure of returning to the SCCDance, a program and faculty that, for 75 years, have provided exceptional dance training for many generations of exemplary artists.”