BVI is now 5 years old! In five years they have built FOUR different full length ballets and are solvent.
The studio on 21st street used to be a car dealership so it is the largest studio in Hampton Roads.
They have a rehearsal hall that can duplicate the measurements of the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts. The two directors, Suzanne Long and Janina Bove take these ballets and can use the original choreography as in "Sleeping Beauty" or personally choreograph "Alice In Wonderland", Twelve Dancing Princesses" or"Snow White". I love the interplay between the professional dancers that they hire from out of town and the local children, ages 6-18. The local dancers they hire are wonderful, too.
and they got paid! I was so glad to hear that they sold out two performances of "The Nutcracker" and could add another performance making it 6 performances in all. Best wishes for Virginia Ballet International! I can hardly wait to see the spring show, 'Twelve Dancing Princesses"
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BVI’s production of “The Nutcracker” was a grand event that showcased the best aspects of performing arts. The performers represented a wide array of talent and instruction, from beginning student to the most consummate professionals. The audience marveled at the children’s enthusiastic and focused participation, entertained by cute and vivacious “rats and mice” while beautiful young princesses evoked visions of unbounded aspirations and potential. The students’ budding abilities and limitless energy set the stage for introducing a number of locally grown and regional dancers. These dancers took the performance to a higher level, adding layers of athleticism and spirit; the danseurs added power and dimension while the ballerinas complemented these skills with sculpted élan. The audience felt pride at seeing these well-known former students excel in their chosen art form. The much-lauded first soloists from the Houston ballet were the stunning centerpiece of the evening. Performing with precision and finesse, these versatile and accomplished professionals mesmerized the audience. Their supple grace and flow of movement drew everyone into the moment and left all with a sense of awe and a desire to see more. All of this great dancing talent was supported by Symphonicity, a quality orchestra that provided depth and complexity to the beautiful choreography. In short, this wonderful production was a “five star” event! Young or old, performing arts expert or first time show-goer, everyone came away amazed by BVI’s superb performance of this classic.
Review from Guidestar
I enjoy their ballets, and I enjoy volunteering for this organization. I enjoy working with Suzanne and the cast members. I always attend their performance of The Nutcracker, and it gets better every year. It's a good start to the holiday. I look forward to volunteering for and seeing their spring production.
Review from Guidestar
Ballet Virginia International's performances always exceed expectations. I've seen many performances of The Nutcracker, but theirs is absolutely the freshest and most professional. The performance is a real visual and auditory treat. They always have excellent guest artists for their performances, and their own dancers are also delightful to watch. They obviously do a very good job training because even the youngest of their performers are skilled and focused. I've heard members of the audience comment on how incredible it was that there should be so many talented young people in one performance, and even friends of mine who are not easily impressed have commented on how much they enjoyed both the dancing and the accompanying music.
Review from Guidestar
BVI is the one of the oldest arts organizations in Hampton Roads, Virginia. It has long been known on the national ballet scene as a fine academy for preparing classically-trained dancers for professional careers. In addition, for the community at large it offers an annual Nutcracker and other ballet favorites that showcase the skills of the students while exhibiting a professional quality of entertainment. As one of the ornaments of the Southeastern Virginia arts scene, BVI definitely deserves donor support.