Rockingham Ballet Theatre

One of the unique features of Ballet Extension is its association with Rockingham Ballet Theatre, which offers all students* the opportunity to perform in a full-length story ballet twice annually. Ballets are selected from the classical repertory and have included The Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Coppelia and La Fille mal gardee and, of course, The Nutcracker each December. The Nutcracker and the Spring Classical Story Ballet often feature professional guest dancers from companies such as New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, The Suzanne Farrell Ballet among others.

Ballet students age 10 and older are eligible to audtion for RBT's pre-professional company, which offers the chance to dance in one to three additional performances annually as well as appearances with other local arts groups. In these additional performances students perform excerpts from classical ballets and/or perform original works created for the company by professional choreographers.

RBT also hosts a Summer Ballet Intensive, where students can focus on perfecting ballet technique and pointe work as well as experience partnering, character dance and mime for dancers. Boys also get a special class that focuses on steps for men. Guest Master teachers come from around the country for this Intensive. Visiting teachers have included Justin Estelle (Suzanne Farrell Ballet), Patra Avery (The Suzanne Farrell Ballet),  Sasha Yapparov (Cincinnati Ballet), Phillip Skaggs (Richmond Ballet), Maggie Small (Richmond Ballet) and Robert Cook (Bristol Ballet).

*Dancers from all area dance programs, including college and adult dancers are invited to auditions for RBT's Nutcracker. Adults are also needed for the Party Scene, which includes some social dancing and acting. Call 540 828-0026 for dates and times.
*Ballet Extension students learning other dance forms perform in a Spring Recital instead of the Spring Classical Story Ballet. These students may, as well, audition for The Nutcracker, which includes less balletic, acrobatic roles such as Party boys, Soldiers and Clowns.