East Coast Contemporary Ballet

For residents of Connecticut passionate about the arts, particularly the captivating world of dance, the East Coast Contemporary Ballet (ECCB) stands as a significant cultural asset. This non-profit dance company, founded in 2019 by Claire Mazza and Alejandro Ulloa, has quickly established itself as a vibrant force in the region's artistic landscape. ECCB's mission is deeply rooted in both community engagement and the art of creation and collaboration, aiming to present ballets that push the physical and artistic boundaries of contemporary dance while honoring the aesthetic, technique, and tradition of classical ballet.

Unlike traditional classical ballet, contemporary ballet, as championed by ECCB, offers a fresh and often more accessible experience. It integrates elements of modern dance, allowing for a greater range of movement in the upper body and often incorporating floor work and less rigid forms. This fusion results in expressive, dynamic, and often emotionally resonant performances that appeal to a broad audience, from seasoned ballet aficionados to those new to the art form. ECCB aims to fill a void for a continually active, innovative contemporary ballet company based in Connecticut that serves the entire East Coast, making world-class dance more accessible right here in our local communities.

The company's commitment extends beyond staged performances, encompassing robust community outreach programs and educational initiatives. They are dedicated to cultivating both art-lovers and artists, ensuring that the transformative power of dance is generated, cultivated, and shared widely. For anyone in Connecticut looking to experience high-caliber dance that is both inspiring and thought-provoking, East Coast Contemporary Ballet offers an exceptional opportunity to connect with a thriving artistic community.

East Coast Contemporary Ballet is strategically located in Norwalk, Connecticut, a central hub within Fairfield County. Their address is 15 Yew Street, Norwalk, CT 06850, USA. This location makes the company highly accessible for residents across Fairfield County and beyond, with convenient access via major roadways. Norwalk's well-connected infrastructure means that attending performances or engaging with the company's activities is straightforward, whether you're traveling from nearby towns like Darien, Westport, or Stamford, or from further afield in Connecticut.

The company frequently performs at various venues across Fairfield County, including the Darien Arts Center and MoCA CT, and participates in broader regional events like the Fairfield County Dance Festival. This distributed approach to performances enhances accessibility, allowing more residents to experience their innovative work without needing to travel into major metropolitan centers. Their commitment to offering free public performances, particularly as part of the Fairfield County Dance Festival, further underscores their dedication to making ballet accessible to all members of the community, regardless of financial barriers. This focus on local venues and community engagement ensures that East Coast Contemporary Ballet is truly integrated into the fabric of Connecticut's cultural life, providing accessible opportunities for residents to enjoy and appreciate the performing arts right in their own neighborhoods.

Services Offered:

• Professional Dance Performances: East Coast Contemporary Ballet presents multiple seasons of performances annually, showcasing their group of professional and internationally trained ballet dancers. These productions often feature original choreography and collaborations, pushing the boundaries of contemporary dance.
• Community Outreach Programs: As a non-profit organization, ECCB is dedicated to engaging with the local community, offering programs designed to increase exposure to the arts and foster a love for dance among diverse audiences.
• Fairfield County Dance Festival: ECCB plays a key role in organizing and performing in the annual Fairfield County Dance Festival, a free public event that brings world-class dance to various towns across the county. This festival is a cornerstone of their community engagement efforts.
• Artistic Residencies: The company frequently hosts artistic residencies, providing employment and development opportunities for dancers and choreographers, which contributes to the vibrant creative ecosystem in Connecticut.
• Educational Initiatives: While not explicitly detailed as formal classes, ECCB's mission to cultivate both art-lovers and artists implies educational components and opportunities for aspiring dancers and enthusiasts to learn more about contemporary ballet.
• Collaborations: ECCB actively collaborates with other artists and organizations, such as Thomas Ortiz Dance, to create unique and enriching artistic experiences.

Features / Highlights:

• Innovative Choreography: East Coast Contemporary Ballet is known for presenting ballets that blend classical ballet technique with the freedom and expressiveness of modern dance, resulting in innovative and stimulating choreography.
• Internationally Trained Dancers: The company boasts a roster of professional and internationally trained ballet dancers, ensuring high-caliber performances that showcase exceptional technical skill and artistry.
• Non-Profit Mission: As a non-profit organization, ECCB is driven by a commitment to enrich the community through art, focusing on accessibility, collaboration, and the continuous generation of new artistic work.
• Community-Centric Approach: Their dedication to local performances, particularly the free Fairfield County Dance Festival, highlights their deep commitment to serving and engaging the Connecticut community.
• Diverse Repertoire: ECCB's performances are not confined to rigid traditions, embracing a diverse repertoire that can be inspired by musical scores, narrative storytelling, or abstract concepts, offering varied experiences for audiences.
• Filling a Regional Void: The company actively fills a need for a dynamic and consistently active contemporary ballet presence in Connecticut, offering a unique artistic voice in the region.

Contact Information:

Address: 15 Yew St, Norwalk, CT 06850, USA

Phone: (203) 843-7026

Mobile Phone: +1 203-843-7026

For locals across Connecticut, East Coast Contemporary Ballet is more than just a dance company; it's a vibrant and accessible cultural hub right in our backyard. Their presence in Norwalk, combined with their commitment to touring performances across Fairfield County, means that experiencing professional, cutting-edge dance doesn't require a trip into New York City. This is particularly beneficial for families, students, and anyone looking to enrich their lives with art without the added expense and travel time associated with larger urban centers. The fact that they frequently offer free performances through initiatives like the Fairfield County Dance Festival truly democratizes access to high art, inviting everyone to partake in the beauty and athleticism of ballet.

Beyond the performances themselves, ECCB's dedication to innovative choreography and their blend of classical technique with contemporary flair ensures that audiences are consistently presented with fresh and engaging works. This forward-thinking approach keeps the art form relevant and exciting, offering new perspectives on what ballet can be. Supporting East Coast Contemporary Ballet means investing in the local arts economy, fostering creative talent within our state, and ensuring that our communities have continued access to inspiring cultural experiences. They provide a unique opportunity for Connecticut residents to witness world-class artistic expression, cultivate an appreciation for dance, and connect with a passionate community of artists and art lovers right here at home.

East Coast Contemporary Ballet

15 Yew St, Norwalk, CT 06850, USA