Richmond Ballet To Open The 23/24 Studio Series with Studio One

Richmond Ballet will open its 23/24 Studio Series performances with Studio One October 24-29 at the Ballet’s in-house Studio Theatre. Studio One will feature the revival of Akwarium, choreographed by Katarzyna Skarpetowska, and the world premiere of Vanishing Point, choreographed by Young Soon Hue.

Katarzyna Skarpetowska’s Akwarium premiered at the Richmond Ballet Studio Theatre in May 2018. At that time, the ballet was the third work by frequent collaborator Skarpetowska to be commissioned by Richmond Ballet. The company then went on to take Akwarium on tours to Ballet West’s National Choreographic Festival and New York Live Arts’ WOMEN/CREATE! – A Festival of Dance. Inspired by the atmosphere of an aquarium, this contemporary ballet reflects the very human experience of sharing space, and the encounters, random or otherwise, that we have along the way. Akwarium highlights Skarpetowska’s skills as a visual patternmaker as well as her signature fluid, grounded movements. Set to music by J.S. Bach and Robert Henke, the vibrant ballet features electric blue costumes by Fritz Masten and striking lighting design by MK Stewart.

Richmond Ballet has commissioned Young Soon Hue to choreograph a world premiere for Studio One. The acclaimed international choreographer was born in South Korea and, after an extensive dancer career throughout Europe, is now based in Germany. She has created more than 40 works for ballet companies around the world, including Queensland Ballet, Tulsa Ballet, National Ballet of Korea, and Deutsche Oper am Rhein. She will bring her breadth of experience to the Richmond Ballet stage in her first ballet for the company.

Young Soon Hue’s Vanishing Point will display the artistry and connectivity of the Richmond Ballet dancers. Inspired by a variety of relationships, the ballet takes a narrative look at human desire, love, and loss. “I want audiences to see themselves in it and to find their own story,” said Young Soon Hue. In her sixth collaboration with the company, designer Rebecca Turk returns to Richmond Ballet to create the costumes for Vanishing Point. Lighting design is by Joseph R. Wells, who most recently worked with Richmond Ballet on Ma Cong’s Firebird last February.

Current Associate Artistic Director and incoming Artistic Director Ma Cong has previously worked with Young Soon Hue during his tenure as both a dancer and resident choreographer at Tulsa Ballet. “I have been very fortunate to work with Young Soon throughout the years, and it has been a mission of mine to introduce Richmond to her work,” said Ma of their collaboration. “I know that audiences will be moved by her bold style and emotional choreography, and I cannot wait to see her full creation performed on our Studio Theatre stage.”

Tickets to Studio One start at $25. Tickets may be purchased online at etix.com, by phone at 804.344.0906 x224 or in person at the Richmond Ballet Box Office, 407 East Canal Street, Monday – Friday, 11:00am – 6:00pm.

Studio One

October 24-29, 2023 | Richmond Ballet Studio Theatre

407 E Canal Street, Richmond, VA 23219

Tuesday, October 24                                     6:30PM

Wednesday, October 25                              6:30PM

Thursday, October 26                                   6:30PM

Friday, October 27                                         6:30PM

Saturday, October 28                                    5:00PM & 8:00PM

Sunday, October 29                                       1:30PM & 4:30PM