Smuin Ballet News
Year Anniversary of Michael Smuin's Death Marked
SAN FRANCISCO, April 23 PRNewswire — A year ago today, the dance world lost one of its icons: Michael Smuin. A year after his death, the company that bears his name and trademark style continues unabated as "one of the nation's top contemporary ballet companies" (Sacramento Bee, 10/4/07) and on the cusp of announcing its 15th anniversary season.
"The sudden loss of Michael last year was devastating to all of us," said Celia Fushille, Smuin Ballet Artistic Director and longtime Smuin protege. "Like other arts organizations who have lost their founders — Alvin Ailey, NY City Ballet, Joffrey Ballet — Smuin Ballet has rallied and come closely together in the commitment to maintain the high standards and joyful entertainment that is our hallmark. We have done more than just survive this difficult year; we are poised to take the company forward."
Finishing up a critically-acclaimed season including sold-out performances of its classic Christmas Ballet and touring performances from California to the Dakotas, San Francisco's internationally renowned Smuin Ballet (http://www.smuinballet.org) puts Spring into its steps with the return of its founder's iconic Dancin' With Gershwin. Broadway meets Ballet in this award-winning production richly costumed by Willa Kim under a glittering skyline designed by Rick Goodwin and brought to life in lights by Sara Linnie Slocum in performances May 2 - June 7 throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. On April 30, the company will hold its annual Gala at the City's Four Season's Hotel — this year themed "Get Your Gershwin On" — and use the occasion to announce details of its 15th Anniversary Season for 2008 / 2009.
"The evening is quintessential Michael Smuin showcasing the many styles in which he excelled," continued Fushille. "From dazzling classical technique to sizzling tapping, Dancin' With Gershwin is a perfect experience in the theater! Our audiences leave the theater smiling and dancing!"
Smuin made the San Francisco Bay Area his home since he was a Principal Dancer with San Francisco Ballet, before going on to dance on Broadway, and appearing in film and television. He was Principal Dancer and Resident Choreographer for American Ballet Theatre before returning to San Francisco as Co-Director of San Francisco Ballet (1973-1985), and was instrumental in raising that company's profile in the international arts community, including many "Dance in America" programs on PBS. His ballets are currently in the repertories of major dance companies around the country. Smuin died on April 23, 2007 suffering a heart-attack in his San Francisco studio as he was beginning a rehearsal with his company of dancers.
Media Contact: David Perry & Associates, Inc. / David Perry
(415) 693-0583 / news@davidperry.com
SOURCE Smuin Ballet
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