Ballet RI, the premiere dance company in Rhode Island, is the proud evolution of Festival Ballet Providence as it continues to embark on an innovative future. Through performances, education, and community engagement, Ballet RI reimagines a traditional dance form into a modern-day experience. This new brand is a commitment to their home state and community and a continued reimagination, setting the stage for a bold future.
Originally named Festival Ballet of Rhode Island (FBRI), Ballet RI was founded in 1978 by two former Royal Winnipeg Ballet Principal Dancers, prima ballerina Christine Hennessey and her partner Winthrop Corey. The pair led FBRI for almost 20 years, establishing it as a force in the New England dance community and one of the strongest regional companies in the country.
In 1998, choreographer and dancer Mihailo Djuric was selected to direct the Company. Guided by Djuric’s ambitious vision, FBRI broadened audiences, diversified its repertory, and embraced a name change to Festival Ballet Providence.
In 2019, then principal dancer with Boston Ballet, Kathleen Breen Combes was appointed as its new Executive Director. In 2020 Breen Combes was appointed Director by the Board of Trustees, and Yury Yanowsky, also a dancer and choreographer from Boston Ballet, as its new Artistic Curator and Resident Choreographer.
The new brand name, Ballet RI, was announced at the beginning of the 23/24 season, heralding a bold new chapter of ballet in Rhode Island.
Welcome to the publication family Ballet RI, we are honored to be a part of supporting your inspiring vision.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ballet RI to the En Face publishing family. Their dedication to the art of ballet and commitment to excellence aligns perfectly with our mission to celebrate and elevate the art form. Together, we look forward to inspiring their devoted patrons of Providence and beyond. A special thank you to Kathleen Breen Combes (@kbreencombes) for this partnership. Welcome to the family!”
– Misty Tompoles, Publisher and Founder of En Face Ballet Collection
