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"First Lady of Rhode Island Ballet" Martha Smith/Providence Journal

Herci Marsden
Artistic Director/Choreographer

I am so very excited to welcome everyone to our 51^st performing season! While I am still overjoyed from the thrill and success of our 50^th season's celebrations, I am looking forward to the next chapter of performances, education, and memory-making for The State Ballet.

This year, we were able to kick off the season with a beautiful performance for the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Research Foundation’s Flames of Hope event in downtown Providence, and an official birthday celebration for SBRI on November 19. We look forward to performing Coppelia in December with some new updates and talented dancers taking new risks. In the spring, we will celebrate SBRI's past, present and future with "Artists in Motion." This performance will include new works, revived choreography and repertoire favorites while celebrating visual art, music and dance.

Our 50^th anniversary gave us the chance to reconnect with many patrons and alumni and I look forward to continuing that trend this year, as well. I enjoy seeing former dancers and their families at the studio and performances. Our future is bright and full of possibility, and I hope you will continue to share it with me!

I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you, our patrons of the arts, for your continued loyalty and support. I look forward to 50 more successful seasons!

Herci Marsden
Artistic Director
The State Ballet of Rhode Island