Once every 10 years Olympic Ballet Theatre company dancers travel to Pittsburgh to participate in the Regional Dance America (RDA) National Festival. During the week of April 23-28 over 3,000 participants from 89 member pre-professional companies from across the country will take part in master classes, workshops, performances, and other special events.
As a member of Regional Dance America/Pacific Region, Olympic Ballet Theatre performs annually for Adjudication before a nationally recognized ballet professional prior to the Regional Festival. This year for the National Festival, OBT adjudicated with Deborah Hadley, former principal dancer with Pacific Northwest Ballet. For OBT’s presentation at the Pittsburgh Festival, Hadley chose a contemporary work by Maika Misumi, dancer, choreographer, and a member of the faculty of Olympic Ballet School.
OBT was awarded meritorious distinction for “outstanding achievement in the adjudication process, including presentation of administrative materials, presenting the fullest range of stage quality performance pieces allowed, and achieving a healthy and progressive learning environment.” Towa Shinagawa, one of the company’s dancers, was chosen for honors recognition.
“We are very excited to have several of our company dancers attend this week-long event. As a member of RDA/P for over 26 years, we are deeply proud of the recognition we have received,” said Wilkins. “This acknowledgement gives us a boost at the end of a very successful performance season. It also speaks to Olympic Ballet’s mission of nurturing young people to achieve personal goals and realize success.”
Regional Dance America is a national association of ballet companies. It was founded with five regional organizations to promote the artistic develo p.m.ent of dance companies throughout the United States. This year, RDA celebrates 50 years of regional dance, dedicating themselves to nurturing dance as a performing art.
A link to RDA and the National Festival and more information about Olympic Ballet Theatre and School can be found by visiting www. olympicballet.com.
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