STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The Staten Island Ballet, a professional dance company founded by Ellen Rubich Tharp, hosted a performance and reception at the Sea View-Farm Colony Historic District in the Greenbelt on a recent Friday evening.
Staged in a quaint building surrounded by sky-high trees and lush greenery, members of the ballet — professionals and students — performed on a night that showcased the art of dramatic dance.
Entertainment was comprised of a wide range of skillfully coordinated dance movements through solos and ensembles of classical ballet, contemporary jazz and some retro dance styles.
Members of the Staten Island Ballet are perfectly poised during a performance of “Carnival of the Animals — Birds/” (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)Staten Island Advance
Worthy of mention is the elegant poise and dance delivery by Polina Alabano, Anita Hartman, Michelle Luna, Mia Perez, Jillian Pizzi, Karina Teran, Estefano Gil Arrietta, Olivia Duffy, and Maria Fichaux.
A member of the Staten Island Ballet performs “Carnival of the Animals — Birds.” (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)Staten Island Advance
THE STATEN ISLAND BALLET
Tharp, a Woman of Achievement in the Class of 2008, believes that every child, no matter if they want to pursue dancing as a career or have other aspirations in life, deserves a professional education. And a number of former students have credited Tharp and the conservatory for their success in the arts.
Jillian Pizzi dances to “Carmen.” (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)Staten Island Advance
Tharp founded Staten Island Ballet in 1993 after performing many years as a classical dancer, as well as an actress, on Manhattan stages and in television dramas.
When she founded Staten Island Ballet and relocated to Staten Island, she also created the organization’s “Dancing Over Walls” program, which provides free, unlimited dance training to talented children from economically challenged homes, helping launch careers and…
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