On the final night of Plano Metropolitan Ballet’s Rapunzel performance, director Cindi Lawrence Hanson had a surprise announcement for the audience — the creation of a professional ballet company based in Plano, to be known as National Ballet of Texas.
“It has been a long-term goal of mine to start a professional dance company,” Hanson said. “Many times I wondered “when” and “if” but I began conversations with some colleagues I hoped to work with on those projects and the excitement multiplied. That was my divine sign that the time was now!”
National Ballet of Texas’ mission is to bring artistry and creativity to the North Texas community through world-class classical and contemporary ballet. From presenting both renowned classical repertoire and brand new works, the company aims to promote its artform in an accessible way, focusing on outreach and education. Additionally, National Ballet of Texas works to ensure collaboration with other artists in the community from musicians and visual artists to actors and designers in order to present highly engaging, entertaining and emotive moments.
The company will be under the direction of Hanson, with artistic direction under Sydney Blalock Ritchie, who has been an advanced ballet and contemporary instructor at Plano Metropolitan Ballet for 11 years.
The ballet’s first performance is set for August at the Courtyard Theatre, with a three-show first season and appearances at dance festivals in the spring and summer.
“I am excited for our city to be home to a world-class professional ballet company,” Hanson said. “Our reach will encompass all of North Texas. National Ballet of Texas has a grand plan and will grow. It’s going to be big. I am so excited to begin this new project!”
National Ballet of Texas, a nonprofit, is looking for donors and sponsors for its first year. More information can be found on the company’s website.
