Contributed Photo
The New Haven Ballet has appointed Lisa Sanborn (pictured) its new interim artistic director. Following is a release from the company:
New Haven Ballet (NHB) announced that Lisa Sanborn has been appointed Interim Artistic Director, effective August 5, 2013 succeeding departing Artistic Director Jared Redick. Ms. Sanborn has been a devoted teacher and ardent supporter of NHB for the past twelve years. She was brought to NHB by former Artistic Director Phillip Otto in 2001.
During her tenure at NHB, Ms. Sanborn has taught ballet technique, variations, and pointe to both children and adults. She has also choreographed and staged several works for NHB. Her students have pursued professional careers in dance and been accepted into many elite summer programs, including American Ballet Theatre, the Rock School (Pennsylvania Ballet), Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, Gelsey Kirkland Academy of Classical Ballet, Bolshoi Ballet Academy, Joffrey Ballet, Boston Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet, and the Nutmeg Conservatory. Ms. Sanborn’s experience in dance began at the Princeton Ballet School and continued at the Ruth Page Foundation in Chicago. She has performed as a member of the corps and in solo variations with companies in Iowa and Chicago, as well as at NHB.
She also appeared with the Royal Danish Ballet in Napoli, a ballet created by famed choreographer and ballet master August Bournonville. Ms. Sanborn holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics from Skidmore College where she minored in dance. She received a Juris Doctorate from Albany Law School of Union University and practiced law until the birth of her son in 2009.
Speaking of her appointment, Ms. Sanborn said, “I feel honored and proud to be working alongside such a skilled and accomplished faculty, and with so many dedicated and talented students. I humbly accept the responsibility of providing strong leadership and continuity for the school. I look forward to an incredibly exciting and successful year in my new role as Interim Artistic Director of NHB, one of New England’s great regional ballet schools.”
In a statement released to the NHB community, the Board of Directors noted: “We have chosen Ms. Sanborn to lead us through the transition period with great confidence in her working knowledge and intimate familiarity with New Haven Ballet, as well as her long and unwavering dedication to the students of New Haven Ballet. We all anticipate a phenomenal year complete with The Nutcracker, the Spring Performance and stellar instruction for all students.” Phillip Otto, now Artistic Director of the Huntsville Ballet, Huntsville, Alabama, praised the choice: “There is absolutely no one I would be more proud to support than Lisa Sanborn. My wife, Rachel Butler, and I have known and worked with Lisa for the past 13 years. She was particularly noteworthy for her versatility, and the thoughtful dedication she brought to every work she performed. Her work ethic and dedication was one of her most outstanding qualities. She is not only a role model but also an inspiration to the students she taught and interacted with at the New Haven Ballet School. She is one of the most dedicated, trustworthy, and genuine people we know.”
And Emily Coates, Lecturer, Yale University, who has performed with New York City Ballet, Mikhail Baryshnikov, and Twyla Tharp, commented: “Lisa Sanborn will lead the New Haven Ballet through this time of transition with the same flair and dedication to the school that she has shown for over a decade.” Tom Gold, former Soloist with New York City Ballet and Founder of Tom Gold Dance praised, “the intelligence and passion [Lisa Sanborn] brings to classical ballet and dance…I cannot think of a better choice for an Artistic Director.” NHB, located at 70 Audubon Street, New Haven, is currently open to children and adults for registration in its fall 2013 term. Please call 203.782.9038 for information on enrollment.
