The Joffrey Ballet gears up for its third local performance

This spring, the merchants of Seaside will again host America’s premier ballet company, The Joffrey Ballet Concert Group. The performance company of the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City, the concert group will have its third performance in Seaside on May 7. The show will include more than 20 Joffrey company members performing a variety of dances ranging from modern and jazz, to classical ballet.

“We will be performing works by Balanchine, Arpino, Rhoden and Lamb,” says Davis Robertson, choreographer and artistic director. “There are some exciting works that you will all get to see.”

During a four-day workshop held in Seaside, 15 selected local dancers will be trained by Robertson, who is planning to bring his Joffrey Ballet Concert Group dancers as demonstrators and teaching aids for the workshop in early May. Rehearsals will be conducted by Seleta Hayes Howard, Seaside’s “Nutcracker” ballet mistress and ballet teacher of the Dance Academy of Seaside Neighborhood School.

While local dancers benefit from the highest caliber of tutelage, the community of Seaside benefits from a stellar performing arts culture. “We’re hopeful to continue our work with the Joffrey Concert Group,” Hayes Howard says. “Mr. Robertson is a dynamic and compassionate teacher who has much experience and knowledge to share with dancers. His class is demanding, yet keeps the dancer totally engaged and smiling. Despite traveling the world, training young professionals, and working with names such as Mikhail Baryshnikov, Mr. Robertson has a passion for working with all levels of dancers. I love his inclusive attitude, it helps expand and build our ballet world, which is needed today.”

For those wanting to take in the show, cottage rentals are available through the partners of the Seaside Community Development Corp. — Cottage Rental Agency, Homeowner’s Collection and Sunburst Luxury Collection, which offer a variety of homes, including a cozy one-bedroom romantic retreat or a luxury resort hotel experience with concierge service.

To reserve a cottage and see the performance, visit Seasidefl.com/visit