Island Moving Company and BankNewport are partnering to give away 150 free tickets to the opening night of the ninth annual Great Friends Dance Festival on July 18, 2018, at St Michaels Country Day School. The community tickets are being distributed to local residents through area social service agencies.
“Through our partnership with Island Moving Company, BankNewport is excited to offer local families the opportunity to experience the art of dance through live ballet performances at the Festival,” stated BankNewport Vice President/Director of Community Relations, Kathleen Charbonneau in a press release on Thursday. “The tradition of this premier event confirms how we, as a community, value Island Moving Company and their commitment to inspire new generations of audiences and artists, while enriching our lives through the power of movement and dance.”
BankNewport’s Opening Night will feature Newport’s Island Moving Company with visiting companies- STAYCEE PEARL dance project and Loteria Performing Arts. Based out of Pittsburgh, PA, STAYCEE PEARL dance project explores innovative conceptual possibilities while participating in meaningful collaboration, and produces programming around compelling concepts and themes often inspired by social/political world issues. Lotería Performing Arts, founded by Ivanova Aguilar, has a mission to promote collaborations between Mexican and American Artists.
Festival goers are encouraged to arrive early. Outside food and beverage are welcomed, and guests are invited to bring blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy world class dance in a social setting. “BankNewport understands that Newport is a great place to live in part because of the incredible cultural offerings we have. But, the reality is that not everyone who calls Newport home has the means to enjoy ticketed arts events. The Bank has chosen to make a significant investment towards making this world class dance festival accessible to everyone in our community, and it’s a wonderful thing,” stated Island Moving Company Executive Director, Edward McPherson.
The Great Friends Dance Festival was founded in 2010 by Island Moving Company, Newport’s resident contemporary ballet company, to showcase new work and artists from around the country. The festival brings visiting dance companies to Newport each summer during the festival, with an exchange performance by Island Moving Company with one of the visiting companies the following spring. Grant funding from the National Endowment for the Arts will support a 2019 tour by Island Moving Company to perform in Pittsburgh with STAYCEE PEARL dance project.
The five-day dance festival held at St Michaels Country Day School will feature new dances for audiences to enjoy each night. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.
WEDNESDAY 6:30pm BANKNEWPORT NIGHT
Carolyn Dorfman’s ETUDE
Island Moving Company
Loteria Performing Arts
STAYCEE PEARL dance project
THURSDAY 6:30pm
Breathing Arts
Island Moving Company
Loteria Performing Arts
STAYCEE PEARL dance project
Thomas/Ortiz
FRIDAY 6:30pm
Breathing Arts
CONTINUUM
Island Moving Company
STAYCEE PEARL dance project
Thomas/Ortiz
SATURDAY 6:30pm
BIG PIECE with IMC and SPdp
CONTINUUM
Island Moving Company
STAYCEE PEARL dance project
Thomas/Ortiz
SUNDAY 6:00pm
BIG PIECE with IMC and SPdp
Breathing Arts
CONTINUUM
Island Moving Company
STAYCEE PEARL dance project
General admission tickets to performances start at $20 in advance, and are $30 at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at www.IslandMovingCo.org, or over the phone at (401)847-4470.