Companies
TODD ROSENLIEB
DANCE
Todd Rosenlieb Dance performs an original modern dance repertoire featuring works by Todd Rosenlieb, Ricardo Melendez, Erick Hawkins, Jon Lehrer, and Bill Evans. The company blends classical and modern forms, and although our dancers have classical roots, they bring a modern vibe with hints of pop culture and a keen sense of musicality. An eclectic sensibility allows for the use of a diverse musical palette that ranges from Brahms to Rufus Wainwright.
Our company of seasoned professionals has partnered with Virginia’s top-ranking performing arts organizations including the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, the Virginia Arts Festival, the Virginia Opera Association, the Mid-Atlantic Regional Choreographers Festival, the Regional High School Dance Festival, Virginia Musical Theatre, and Lyric Opera of Virginia.
TODD ROSENLIEB DANCE
VIRGINIA BALLET THEATRE
Virginia Ballet Theatre, directed by Ricardo Melendez, is Hampton Roads’ oldest professional ballet company, nearing its sixth decade in the region. It moved under the Todd Rosenlieb Dance family in 2009, continuing as a vibrant chamber-size contemporary ballet company. With the mission of contributing classical and contemporary ballet performance, training, history, and education to the Hampton Roads community, Virginia Ballet Theatre performs historical and original ballet repertoire in performances throughout the year. Virginia Ballet Theatre shares a mixed bill program with Todd Rosenlieb Dance in the Spring at the Benjack Studio Theatre@TRDance.
Our company of seasoned professionals has partnered with Virginia’s top-ranking performing arts organizations including the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, the Virginia Arts Festival, the Virginia Opera Association, the Mid-Atlantic Regional Choreographers Festival, the Regional High School Dance Festival, Virginia Musical Theatre, and Lyric Opera of Virginia.
VIRGINIA BALLET THEATRE
ENSEMBLES
TRDance Ensemble
TRDance’s Ensemble Program is geared toward high school, college and post graduate dancers who are interested in developing their performance and choreographic skills in the modern and contemporary dance idioms. Participation is by audition only. Dancers with an interest in choreography may have the opportunity to produce their work while others will perform in both new and professional works. The TRDance Ensemble offers several audition opportunities throughout the year as well as in the summer. Performance opportunities include their own presentations at the Benjack Studio Theatre as well as occasions to perform with Todd Rosenlieb Dance and at community events.
Virginia Ballet Theatre Ensemble and Trainee Program
The Virginia Ballet Theatre Ensemble is our pre-professional training program for high school, college and post graduate students interested in furthering their ballet education. Participation is by audition only. The VBT Ensemble Dancers work alongside the professional VBT dancers in a yearly full-scale performance and also share a concert with the TRDance Ensemble in the spring. The repertoire includes both original choreography as well as works from the classical repertory.
Both TRD and VBT Ensemble dancers have a specified schedule of classes and rehearsals during the week and on Saturdays. Acceptance into the program entitles the dancers to reduced rate class cards. If you are interested in learning more about these wonderful programs please contact Lynette at nettewin@gmail.com for the TRDance Ensemble and Jaime at
vbtensemble@gmail.com for the VBT Ensemble.
ENSEMBLES
MIXMO
The first of its kind in the region, Mixed Abilities in Motion (MixMo) was conceived when a parent shared a heartfelt desire – that her child, born with Down Syndrome, have the opportunity to experience dance. Now in its 10th year, MixMo has expanded beyond its first Adaptive Dance Class for children and adults with Down Syndrome to include Movin’ and Groovin’ with Autism Spectrum Disorder and The Wholly Rollers at TRDance, a new MIXMO program for dancers with wheelchairs.
Our classes are structured to involve a combination of ballet technique and creative movement along with classical ballet music and interactive songs. We also incorporate live music from a professional drummer (bongos) in classes to expose students to percussive sound while maintaining the unique ability to respond to the sensory needs of our students.
MIXMO dancers receive the opportunity to attend live theatre and dance performances in the community as well as perform, alongside such noted artists and organizations as the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, Todd Rosenlieb Dance Company, and Virginia Ballet Theatre.
MIXMO
ACADEMY
STRUCTURED TRAINING
Todd Rosenlieb Dance is home to one of Hampton Roads’ finest training programs for young dancers, with elite dance instruction by a wide array of seasoned faculty members and small class sizes for individual attention. The Structured Training Program offers introduction to dance for students ages 1½–6 and comprehensive training for students ages 6–15 to progress through various levels of study within a specialized curriculum. Students are placed in levels according to age as well as prior training and experience.
Performance opportunities are offered at the end of the year so students can experience the joys of the stage in a supportive and creative environment. Consistency is the key to progressing in dance technique, and the structured method provides the greatest opportunity for students to advance in their training. The program runs from September through May and for ten weeks in the summer. Rates are based on the number of classes taken per week.
OPEN CLASSES
TRDance Center offers a convenient open class-card method so that students can gain instruction from some of the area’s finest instructors in a supportive, rigorous learning environment. Students, ages 13–adult, may purchase single classes or buy a class card entitling them to take any 10 classes within a 3-month period or 30 classes within a 6-month period.
Much like a New York studio, this offers students the flexibility of designing their own schedules. Registration is open year-round, and you may join open classes at any time. Cards are kept at the registration desk for your convenience.
ACADEMY
Support Academy
Scholarships
PILATES@TRDance
Pilates@TRDance offers instruction in the authentic Pilates Method of Body Conditioning. We are committed to teaching and preserving the classical, historical Pilates Method of Body Conditioning as originally intended by Joseph H. Pilates.
During his lifetime, Joseph Pilates created more than five hundred exercises, inventing an original and unique syllabus which is based on an ordered sequence of exercises, characterized by breath, flowing movement, technically correct execution, and taught with a strong awareness of rhythm and dynamics. With over 35 years of combined teaching experience, the instructors at Pilates@TRDance have the expertise to evaluate the needs of the individual client to customize and personalize their workout.