Natalia Osipova is one of the most celebrated ballerinas of the modern age. With reviewers calling her “astonishing,” “a supernatural tour de force” and a “bolt from heaven,” she has made her mark in the dance industry and gracefully danced her way onto prestigious stages across the world.
Now, after more than 15 years of dancing professionally, she and husband Jason Kittelberger have established Blooms Dance Project. This independent dance company started with the idea of sharing dance works Osipova has experienced during her career, from classic pieces to ones created especially for her. Their goal is to establish a dance company to create new works with a strong mix of dancers and creative team.
“I really like dance and different styles, not just classical ballet,” Osipova shared during a Zoom interview with Dance Informa. “Dance is a fantastic, beautiful language, and I want to try more and more.”
Their new program Force of Nature will make its New York premiere on Saturday, January 21, at 8 pm at New York City Center. The evening consists of several performances including classics like the Act III pas de deux from Don Quixote and The Dying Swan; Manon pas de deux by Kenneth MacMillan and Isadora by Frederick Ashton (Five Brahams Waltzes, in the manor of Isadora); as well as a new contemporary piece, Ashes, which she and Kittelberger co-choreographed.
“My husband, he’s a fantastic contemporary dancer and choreographer. We enjoy working together,” Osipova shared. “As dancers, he is teaching me a lot. It’s a new style. I’m learning how to work with my body and be free. Classical dancers need a lot of training to dance contemporary well, and he really helped me.”
Not only is this show helping these professionals find new ways to grow as artists, but also to give back to others in need. A portion of proceeds of all ticket sales from Force of Nature will be donated to the Ukrainian Relief Effort.
“It’s not something we have to do, but something that comes from the heart,” Osipova said. “We want to help.”
Her big heart doesn’t stop there. In the future, Osipova hopes to create a charity to help underprivileged children get access to the ballet and have opportunities to do interesting projects.
For more information and to purchase tickets to Force of Nature, visit nycitycenter.org/NataliaOsipova.
By Lauren Kirchmyer of Dance Informa.
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