Why dancers are excited about Innovative 1970 – and why you should be, too!

An audience favorite, Innovative Works returns this year – with a groovy 1970s theme! To continue our 50th-anniversary celebration, we’re taking it back to the beginning: the founding Charlotte Ballet in 1970. Fifty (two) years later, choreographers will take inspiration for this season’s Innovative 1970 from design, music, politics, and literature from 1970 to pay homage to the company’s first year. New works will be presented by 2019 Princess Grace Award winner for choreography, Rena Butler, along with NCDT Alumni, Ja’Malik, and Charlotte Ballet Company Artist, Andrés Trezevant.

Working with new choreographers is always the best part of my job. I love meeting new people, learning a new style, and finding out what is fresh and new in the dance world right now – always trying to push past the norm. 

Sarah Hayes Harkins

I look forward to working with the choreographers to help the audience time travel back into the 1970s. I also look forward to having Rena Butler and Ja’Malik in-studio to learn and grow from their artistry. 

Raven Barkley 

I’m most looking forward to the experience of working with three different choreographers for this year’s Innovative Works series. I’m very excited to see their spin/interpretation of the 1970s inspired theme. 

Sarah Lapointe

I am excited for Innovative Works because we are able to work with new choreographers that bring fresh new works to Charlotte audiences. 

David Preciado

I’m excited for Innovation Works because it is usually our longest run of shows, which allows us to really grow and evolve in a work. That’s always fun to explore. 

Amelia Sturt-Dilley

I always love the Innovative Works series. Getting to perform in our home studio for such an intimate audience is so special. 

Shaina Wire

The different range of styles that are always brought in makes Innovative so special. 

James Kopecy

Im most looking forward to getting to working with new choreographers and seeing what I can learn from them. 

– Emerson Dayton

I’m most looking forward to working with new choreographers and seeing what they express through their movement and pieces. 

Olivia Parsons

We hope you’re just as excited as our dancers! Innovative 1970 tickets are on sale now and will run February 4-26 at the Centre for Dance. We hope to see you there!