Press Release: Stars of American Ballet to dazzle New Mexico in two captivating performances

Daniel Ulbricht’s Stars of American Ballet brings principals and soloists of America’s leading companies to venues across the country. Set to take place on July 28 and 29, these shows promise to transport Santa Fe audiences to a realm of artistic brilliance.

June 28, 2023, Santa Fe, New Mexico— Stars of American Ballet, an ensemble comprising exceptional dancers from ballet companies across the United States, will showcase their remarkable talents in two distinct nights of performances. The repertoire includes iconic works by choreographic luminaries George Balanchine, Marius Petipa, and other revered figures. Audiences can expect to be treated to a stunning blend of classical masterpieces— “an unapologetic showcase of virtuosity” (The Boston Globe).

Adding to the excitement, the performances will feature world premieres of original pieces by visionary choreographers Juan Rodrigue, Tulia Marshall, and Alec Knight. These groundbreaking works promise to push the boundaries of artistic expression, offering fresh perspectives that will captivate ballet enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Stars of American Ballet also fosters a deep commitment to community engagement. During the ensemble’s residency with Performance Santa Fe, Artistic Director Daniel Ulbricht will offer a master class with students from NDI New Mexico, sharing his expertise and inspiring the next generation of dancers. This invaluable opportunity allows aspiring dancers from the local community to learn from these world-class artists firsthand.

“We are delighted to welcome back the Stars of American Ballet for its 11th year in Santa Fe,” says Amy Iwano, Executive + Artistic Director of Performance Santa Fe. “This ensemble brings unforgettable performances to Santa Fe and is a gem amongst Santa Fe’s summer arts offerings. Their annual master classes with students in the community exemplify their dedication to artistic growth and education. We are grateful to Stars of American Ballet and NDI New Mexico for their continued partnership.”

Stars of American Ballet 
Friday, July 28 + Saturday, July 29 | 7:30 pm
Lensic Performing Arts Center
211 W San Francisco St, Santa Fe, NM 87501
$40–$125
Save up to 50% off your ticket order with student and family discounts
$20 Rush tickets available the day of the performance for patrons under 30

To purchase tickets, visit PerformanceSantaFe.org or call (505) 984 8759

Stars of American Ballet. Two distinct performances of classic and modern choreography by America’s leading dancers. Presented by Performance Santa Fe at the Lensic Performing Arts Center, 211 W San Francisco St, Santa Fe, NM 87501. Friday + Saturday, July 28 + 29, 7:30 pm. Tickets: $40–$125. (505) 984 8759. PerformanceSantaFe.org.

July 28 performance presented through the support of Timothy and Mary Mitchell and Cynthia and Alan Coleman
July 29 performance is presented through the support of Linda Cohen in loving memory of James Cohen
23–24 Season Sponsors: Ann Murphy Daily and William W. Daily, Gina Browning and Joe Illick, Robin Black, Leah Gordon

Program

Program I (July 28)

Sea Change  
Music: Franz Schubert 
Choreography: Justin Peck 

Lastre
World premiere 
Music: Yann Tierson 
Choreography: Alec Knight 

Rodeo Pas de Deux 
Excerpt from Rodeo: Four Dance Episodes  
Music: Aaron Copland 
Choreography: Justin Peck  

Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux 
Music: P.I. Tchaikovsky 
Choreography: George Balanchine 
(c) The George Balanchine Trust 

This Bitter Earth  
Music: Max Richter and Clyde Otis 
Choreography: Christopher Wheeldon

Take Five 
Music: Dave Brubeck 
Choreography: Frederick Earl Mosley 

Catching Feelings 
excerpt 
Music: J.S. Bach, recomposed by Peter Gregson 
Choreography: Dwight Rhoden 

Blue Suede Shoes 
Music: Elvis Presley, performed by Austin Butler  
Choreography: Denys Drozdyuk and Antonina Skobina 

The Belt of Faith 
World premiere 
Music: Jung Jae Il 
Choreography: Juan Rodriguez  

Program II (July 29)

Tarantella  
Music: Louis Moreau Gottschalk  
Choreography: George Balanchine 
(c)The George Balanchine Trust 

I Feel it Different 
Music: Ezio Bosso and traditional Fado 
Choreography: Danielle Diniz 

CARMEN.manquia 
excerpt 
Music: Georges Bizet 
Choreography: Gustavo Ramírez Sansano 

Spitfire 
World premiere 
Music: Porter Robinson 
Choreography: Alec Knight, in collaboration with Taylor Stanley 

Costume: Elevé 

Show Must Go On 
Music: Queen 
Choreography: Denys Drozdyuk and Antonina Skobina 

With Bated Breath 
World premiere 
Music: Arvo Part and Ezio Bosso 
Choreography: Tulia Marshall  

Year of the Rabbit 
excerpt 
Music: Sufjan Stevens 
Choreography: Justin Peck 

White Swan Pas de Deux 
Music: P.I. Tchaikovsky 
Choreography: Marius Petipa 

Bury Me Standing 
Music: Lindráji Szi by Ando Drom 
Choreography: Ramon Oller 

Tres Hombres 
Music: Astor Piazzolla  
Choreography: Denys Drozdyuk, Daniel Ulbricht, Sebastian Villarini 

About Stars of American Ballet

DANIEL ULBRICHT, founder and director

with CRAIG BALDWIN, piano

Stars of American Ballet® travels to cities that rarely host ballet performances and offers top-notch choreography with principal and soloist-level dancers from major American companies. Since it began, Stars of American Ballet® has presented over 90 works including repertory by Petipa, Balanchine, Robbins, Millipied, Wheeldon, Peck and more. Stars travels all over the United States and abroad to bring the highest caliber of dancers and performances to places that are hungry for world-class dance.  Stars also sponsors dance education programs, consisting of master classes, pre-performance lectures and community outreach projects, to build a better awareness and overall experience with the art form, and offers free tickets for youth and students.

Founded and directed by New York City Ballet principal dancer Daniel Ulbricht, the mission of Stars of American Ballet® is to see people entertained, educated, uplifted, and inspired by the art of ballet and great dancing. A principal dancer with New York City Ballet since 2007, Ulbricht is lauded as “one of the best male ballet dancers in New York” by Dance Magazine’s Wendy Perron.

DANIEL ULBRICHT, founder and director of Stars of American Ballet, was born in St. Petersburg, Florida, and began his dance training at the age of 11. At age 16, Mr. Ulbricht was invited by the School of American Ballet, the official school of New York City Ballet, to continue his training. In December 2000, he became an apprentice with New York City Ballet and in November 2001 he joined the Company as a member of the corps de ballet. In January 2005, Mr. Ulbricht was promoted to the rank of soloist and principal dancer. During his time at NYCB, he has danced featured roles in several Balanchine, Robbins, Martins, Peck and Wheeldon ballets. Mr. Ulbricht is a guest teacher at the School of American Ballet, Ballet Academy East, and teaches at well-known national dance schools, private schools, and universities throughout the United States.

About Performance Santa Fe

Performance Santa Fe has been bringing the world’s best music, dance, and theater to iconic Santa Fe locations since 1937. The organization upholds excellence in the performing arts and brings joy and enrichment to the community. Alongside its extensive performance season, the organization runs dynamic, exciting, and inclusive educational programs for students in the community. Experience the extraordinary with Performance Santa Fe’s 2023–24 season, featuring 23 performances of music, dance, and theater. Learn more at www.PerformanceSantaFe.org. Performance Santa Fe is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.

Press inquiries: Helen Pinch | hpinch@performancesantafe.org | (505) 984 8759

Tickets or general questions: Eliana O’Brien | eliana@performancesantafe.org | (505) 984 8759

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