Ruth Page Center of the Arts is proud to present its annual, Ruth Page Festival of Dance at Ravinia with two performances of “Ruth Page Civic Ballet and Friends,” Thursday, June 15 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, June 17 at 2 p.m., at Ravinia’s Bennett Gordon Hall, 201 St. Johns Ave. Gates open an hour prior to concert start time. Single tickets are currently on sale for $25. For more information, visit Ravinia.org for more information.
Thursday, June 15 at 7:30 p.m. Program
The Ruth Page Civic Ballet Training Company brings the elegance, artistry and creative daring of its boundary-breaking namesake for a performance featuring world premieres and a special guest artist.
The program featuring the Ruth Page Civic Ballet Training Company is highlighted by two commissioned contemporary works, “Abscission” by Mexican choreographer Adrián Marcelo Sáenz and “Steady Going” by artistic director of South Chicago Dance Theater Kia Smith. Rounding out the evening is the classical “Animated Frescos” from ”The Little Humpbacked Horse” by Arthur Saint-Léon and the tap dance bravura of guest artist Jumaane Taylor, artistic director of the Chicago Human Rhythm Project.
Saturday, June 17 at 2 p.m. Program
Highlighting the unique artistic collaborations of the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, the Ruth Page Civic Ballet Training Company will perform in a stunning showcase of dance with some of Chicago’s leading artists, two of which also have a home at The Ruth Page Center. Sharing the stage with the Ruth Page Civic Ballet Training Company in a mixed program include in-Residence company Hedwig Dances; Chicago contemporary dance company, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, and tap dance artist and artistic director of Chicago Human Rhythm Project Jumaane Taylor.
ABOUT RUTH PAGE CIVIC BALLET TRAINING COMPANY
The Ruth Page Civic Ballet Training Company was established by Artistic Director Victor Alexander to continue developing serious young dancers ages 17-25 years with advanced training and performance experience as a prelude to a professional career in dance. It is today the official training company of The Ruth Page Center for the Arts. Dancers are invited to take part in the Training Company by its Artistic Director Alexander, who guides and mentors each aspiring young artist alongside Associate Director Dolores Long, Artistic Associate Maray Gutierrez and Repertory Coach Edith Barrágan. Through focused daily training, company members will refine their ballet and contemporary techniques in an international environment of performers and educators, with the opportunity to travel to Ruth Page’s International Sister Schools in Cuba, Italy and Spain. The Civic's dancers are joined in performances by notable guest artists and choreographers, expanding their sphere of professional work.
ABOUT THE RUTH PAGE CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Led by Executive Director Silvino da Silva, the Ruth Page Center for the Arts’ mission is to be a platform for developing great artists and connecting them with audiences and community. Ruth Page Center for the Arts (RPSD) recently celebrated 50 years of service to the Chicago dance community. More than just a building, it is a hub for creative exploration, education, connection, and expression. Ruth Page Center is recognized as an integral part of the global dance community not only for its history of artistic innovation through its founder, Ruth Page, but also for the progressive programs that are important to the cultural landscape of Chicago.
ABOUT THE RUTH PAGE FESTIVAL OF DANCE
For many, Ruth Page (1899-1991) and dance in Chicago are synonymous. From the American heartland, she performed, toured, choreographed and produced in all parts of the world. Her legacy, however, was not just in being an acclaimed American ballerina. She was an early creative force, breaking boundaries between classical and modern dance through a complex fusion of choreography beyond her classical training. She was employed by, collaborated with and employed some of the greatest artists of the 20th century, including Irving Berlin, Antoni Clave, Aaron Copland, Sergei Diaghilev, Katherine Dunham and Isamu Noguchi. Ruth Page also brought world-class dance to Chicago’s stages as Ballet Director of the Chicago Opera Ballet, Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Ravinia Opera.
In 1965, Ruth Page presented Chicago with a beautiful holiday gift – “The Nutcracker Ballet,” which would go on to be a beloved holiday classic for the entire family, performed annually at the McCormick Place Theater until 1997. This full-length work lives on in a dazzling annual production that celebrates young artists and international guests with an audience that includes countless generations of fans.
In 1971, having already established herself as an internationally acclaimed dancer, choreographer and arts patron, Ruth Page created a performing arts center and school of dance where artistic excellence could thrive. The Ruth Page Center for the Arts stands today as an example of how far her legacy has grown. More than just a building, it is a hub for creative exploration, connection, and expression. The Ruth Page Center is widely recognized as an integral part of the global dance community not only for its history of artistic excellence and innovation through its founder, but also for the progressive programs that are important to dance artists at every level of development.
An enduring part of the Ruth Page legacy is the long-standing artistic relationship between the Ravinia Festival and the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, which helps ensure that dance is represented as part of Ravinia’s annual programming. In partnership with Ravinia, the Ruth Page Festival of Dance presents local, national and international dance companies on the Festival grounds or at one of Chicago’s large venues.
For more information about The Ruth Page Center for the Arts and its programs visit www.RuthPage.org.
ABOUT THE RAVINIA FESTIVAL
Ravinia®, North America's oldest music festival, stands today as its most musically diverse, presenting a large variety of different events throughout the summer. These concerts run the gamut from Yo-Yo Ma to John Legend to the annual summer residency of the nation's finest orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
The 36-acre park is nestled in a gently wooded area that makes it an enchanting place to experience music. Guests can bring their own picnics or eat at one of the park restaurants.