NRPL Treats Trinity And Jefferson Students To Live Ballet Performance

NEW ROCHELLE, NY —The students and staff from both Trinity and Jefferson elementary schools were treated to a command performance of the ballet Don Quixote on Friday.

The special performance was courtesy of the Ajkun Ballet Theatre. The VIP, invitation-only event at the New Rochelle Public Library's Ossie Davis Theater was the final dress rehearsal before the ticketed performance that followed on Saturday at the library.

When the Ajkun Ballet Theatre was unable to use their traditional space at New Rochelle High School due to pandemic restrictions, the New Rochelle Public Library provided rehearsal and performance space.

"We were happy to give Ajkun access to our theater so they could run their dance program for children. The program is a wonderful opportunity for youth in our community to be exposed to ballet,” NRPL spokesperson Lisa Itzkowitz said. "This spring we had the added benefit of being able to host over 60 children and staff from local area schools and expose them to the beauty of the ballet. It was a win-win all around."

The Ajkun Ballet Theatre is internationally renowned for its new choreography by Chiara Ajkun, the company's artistic director and resident choreographer. The company's extensive repertory ranges from 19th century classics to modern choreography performed by its award-winning artists in NYC theaters and on tours. The Ajkun Ballet Theatre has performed for thousands of audience members in theaters on four continents and millions more on television.