NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – This year Virginia Arts Festival brings in world renowned ballet company Dance Theatre of Harlem to Hampton Roads for three days of performances.  

In celebration of their 50th Anniversary the company will light up the stage with their classic pieces, incorporating ballet and contemporary dance. As a special treat, this weekend’s show includes a world premiere commissioned by the Festival and the 2019 Commemoration, American Evolution. 

The new ballet was created by Claudia Schreier, an award-winning young choreographer who has drawn attention and commissions for new work from American Ballet Theatre, the Vail Dance Festival, and more.  

The piece, created for 12 dancers and performed in three parts, is set to a new score composed by Jessie Montgomery. 

The new ballet’s world premiere performances in Norfolk are a “Signature Event” of American Evolution, which marks and commemorates historical events in 1619, including the arrival of the first recorded Africans to English North America and the recruitment of English women in significant numbers to the colony, a pivotal year in the history of Virginia and the nation.  

You have three chances to experiences art through movement like never before. The dates include: 

  • Friday, May 3 at 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, May 4 at 8 p.m.
  • Sunday, May 5 at 3 p.m. 

For ticket information visit https://www.vafest.org/.