HISTORY

The Rochester City Ballet, a professional performing company founded in 1987 by the late Timothy M. Draper, has attained a distinguished presence in Rochester and western New York.  As first artistic director, Tim dedicated his life to a dream of bringing ballet to the community and therefore established the continuing mission to nurture and demonstrate dance of the highest technical excellence.  Over the years, thousands of children and adults have realized Tim’s dream by attending everything from fully-staged theater productions to presentations at area schools and festivals. 

The foundation of Rochester City Ballet’s repertoire includes such classical favorites as Nutcracker, Firebird, Paquita, Gaîté Parisenne, Don Quixote, Cinderella and most recently, Carmen.  On this firm footing, RCB also welcomes the challenge of performing contemporary dance and has premiered over twenty new ballets.  Many of these pieces, choreographed by artistic director, Jamey Leverett, have garnered both ovations and awards.  Audiences can be assured of seeing much more of Ms. Leverett’s exciting work as well as that of the many internationally renowned choreographers that the company brings to Rochester to enrich the dance experience.

As the company grows, so does its reputation.  Poised to entertain at home and abroad, our dancers’ expertise is acknowledged and appreciated by critics and audiences alike.  Many company members have gone on to positions with New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre and other prestigious companies in the United States and Europe.   

OUR MISSION

Rochester City Ballet will nurture, promote and demonstrate the art of dance through education and performances of the highest technical excellence.