James Canfield Chosen As Artistic Director Of Nevada Ballet

Following an international search, Nevada Ballet Theatre announced today that James Canfield has been chosen as the Company's next artistic director. Canfield had served as the Company's interim artistic director since March 2008, and was the founding artistic director of Oregon Ballet Theatre, one of Oregon's leading arts organizations, from 1989 to 2003. Since then, he has been teaching, choreographing and staging his ballets for companies across the country.

Canfield will work closely with Executive Director Beth Barbre and the board of trustees to lead the Las Vegas-based ballet company as it prepares for its much-anticipated move into the $475 million Smith Center for the Performing Arts, which is slated for completion in 2011.

"We are thrilled to have James Canfield's experience and passion for artistic achievement here at Nevada Ballet Theatre," said Nancy Houssels, co-founder of NBT and co-chair of the board of trustees. "Building on our first-ever performance at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. this year, we believe James can help propel our continued rise to national prominence."

Canfield's duties will include leading Nevada Ballet Theatre's professional company, planning future seasons and performances, overseeing the company's affiliated school, the Academy of Nevada Ballet Theatre, and expanding education and outreach activities.

"I am honored to join Nevada Ballet Theatre and I am extremely excited about the enormous potential of this company," Canfield said. "My commitment is to build a vibrant contemporary company that respects and maintains its basis in classical ballet."

James Canfield was born in Corning, New York, and received his early dance training at the acclaimed Academy of the Washington School of Ballet under the direction of Mary Day. Canfield was a member of the Washington Ballet, the Joffrey II Dancers in New York City and the Joffrey Ballet under the direction of Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino. In 1986, he became artistic director of Pacific Ballet Theatre and was appointed artistic director of the new Oregon Ballet Theatre (OBT) in 1989. There, he choreographed numerous ballets and established the School of Oregon Ballet Theatre.

Based in Las Vegas, Nevada Ballet Theatre is the largest professional ballet company in the state with 31 company members recruited from around the world. More information is available at www.nevadaballet.com.