Rochester City Ballet

ABOUT US

David Palmer recently joined Rochester City Ballet as its Artistic Director. Established in 1987 by its founding artistic director Timothy M. Draper, the company has developed a reputation for its excellence, versatility, and singular repertoire, which includes award-winning contemporary ballets and masterworks. The company performs at the Nazareth College Arts Center and Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre. In July 2010, RCB presented its first New York City season. In July 2013, RCB was selected to perform in the Inside/Out performance series at the prestigious Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival in Massachusetts.

RCB has invited celebrated guest choreographers like Inma Rubio Thomas, Patrick Corbin, Daniel Gwirtzman, Bill Evans, and Edward Ellison to set work on the company. RCB also has performed American masterworks by George Balanchine (Serenade) and Gerald Arpino (Valentine).

RCB is committed to enriching the quality of life in the greater Rochester community. In May 2015, it held its first annual Sensory-Friendly performance for children on the Autism Spectrum. For numerous years, the company has performed for the entire second grade of the Rochester City School District, as well as taking dance into the schools through interactive performances and creative problem solving workshops. RCB donates thousands of tickets to underserved youth affiliated with the Boys and Girls Club, Sojourner House, Wilson Commencement Park, East House, and Hillside Children's Center. Additionally, RCB conducts outreach activities at Barnes and Noble, Strong National Museum of Play, Stepping Stones Learning Center, and public libraries in Monroe and Ontario counties.

RCB's In Studio Series has exposed community members to an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the creative process and an opportunity to experience dance at a very low cost.