In 1997, during his first year as artistic director, Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, created Innovative Works to present contemporary ballet to the community. Now, 20 years later, it has become one of Charlotte Ballet’s most popular performances. 20 years of Innovative Works means 20 years of unforgettable memories. Read as our dancers, teaching artists, and choreographers share their favorite moments from Innovative Works.
Innovative Works runs every weekend until February 18. After the performance at the Patricia McBride & Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux Center for Dance, join us for a dessert reception with the dancers and artistic staff where you can share your favorite memories about Innovative Works. Tickets start at only $25!
“I can’t believe I have been performing in Innovative Works since 2002! My favorite memory from Innovative is when Mark Diamond presented City South in 2005. He used music by Bela Fleck, which was really fun. I won the Princess Grace award and went to the awards ceremony right around that time. Very good memories!
“It is so much fun to reminisce! Several favorite memories about performing in Innovative Works come to mind. Performing Shapes & Gaits by Uri Sands — we danced, tangled, and bounced in huge, stage-length elastic bands. The movement was very exploratory and experimental. Our costumes were designed by then-dancer, now-designer Alex Donovon. Also, performing MAP by Alonzo King. This ballet is so deep and engaging for the performer, and I loved it. Jean-Pierre is bringing it back in June for 
“One of my favorite Innovative programs was from 2010 at the Knight Theater with David Ingram’s Arson and Dwight Rhoden’s Spill. The program had an environmental consciousness theme. I loved both works and their processes. Innovative is always a busy time as we only have a few weeks to get the show together! I’d love a chance to dance these two pieces again!”
“One of my favorite memories from Innovative Works is the pas de trois from Nacho Duato’s Na Floresta with Traci Gilchrest Kubie, Sasha Janes and Randolph Ward. It was 2006 and my first time seeing the company do a work like that. It was just the time spent in the field of dance by the artists that made it special. It was one of the first times I’d seen great artists dance as opposed to dancers performing art.”
