Oakland Ballet Company Announces New Artistic Director, Graham Lustig and Auditions

OAKLAND, Calif., Aug. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Oakland Ballet Company is pleased to announce internationally acclaimed choreographer and teacher Graham Lustig as their new Artistic Director. Mr. Lustig's freelance choreographic career has encompassed more than sixty works in over four continents. Executive Director, Nicole Levine states: "We are thrilled to welcome Graham Lustig to the Oakland Ballet Company; he is the right person to maintain our commitment to Russian and classical ballets, while also bringing in contemporary works.  Our goal is to keep the tradition of ballet vibrant and accessible to the East Bay community."  Oakland Ballet Company will kick off the 2010–2011 Season with Graham Lustig’s The Nutcracker sponsored by Chevron and will later announce an exciting Spring Season featuring local choreographers along with his own work.

Graham Lustig states: "There are great possibilities here with the Oakland Ballet Company.  My first priority is outreach to the local public schools." Mr. Lustig will continue Oakland Ballet Company's commitment in teaching underprivileged youth theater culture and appreciation for the art of ballet.  He plans to grow the company at a steady pace and raise its artistic profile by creating excellence in ballets performed.

In person interviews with Mr. Lustig will be available August 24 - 27th, 2010.  

Oakland Ballet Company is also thrilled to collaborate with Mills College Dance Department and Dance Chair, Sonya Delwaide, where the company’s rehearsals will take place for the 2010-2011 Season.

Oakland Ballet Company welcomes Chevron’s return as its lead sponsor for the 2010-2011 Season.  Sponsorship opportunities are available by visiting: www.oaklandballet.org or calling 1-866-711-6037.

Company Auditions:

August 28th or 29th: 11:00am – 1:00pm at Mills College, Haas Pavilion, 5000 MacArthur Boulevard, Oakland.  Dancers need only attend one day of auditions.  Registration opens at 10:30am.

Resume and two dance photographs required.  If you are unable to attend auditions, please email a resume with two dance photos and any YouTube links to Artistic Director, Graham Lustig at [email protected].  DVDs can be mailed to Oakland Ballet, attention: Graham Lustig at 2626 Harrison Street, Oakland, CA 94612.

Nutcracker Student Auditions:

Oakland Ballet Company seeks enthusiastic student dancers for Graham Lustig's The Nutcracker.

Audition Date: Saturday, September 25, 2010

Registration: 12:00 – 1:00pm audition: 1:00 – 4:30pm No late entry

Location: Mills College, Haas Pavilion, 5000 MacArthur Blvd. Oakland

View Graham Lustig's Nutcracker at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvjJC9IDfMM

For more information visit: www.oaklandballet.org

SOURCE Oakland Ballet Company