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Logan McSwain
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Ballet
Modern/Contemporary

Charlotte Ballet names Hope Muir as new Artistic Director

by Logan McSwain
April 5, 2016
Charlotte Ballet is excited to announce that the board of trustees selected Hope Muir, as Charlotte Ballet’s new artistic director. Hope’s appointment is effective July 2017.

Over the next year Hope will work closely with the board and staff in preparation for the 2017/2018 Season, her first as artistic director.

“I am thrilled and honored to have been invited to be the new artistic director of Charlotte Ballet at such an exciting time in the company’s development,” Hope said. “Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux and Patricia McBride have built a family of artists, produced exciting and varied work, and grown a loyal audience. I relish the opportunity to build on the company’s tradition of excellence and lead it forward for the next generation.”

Last year, after President & Artistic Director Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux announced he'd be stepping down, Charlotte Ballet’s board of trustees formed a search committee of board and advisory board members and community stakeholders, under the leadership of Chair-Elect Lise Hain. “With overwhelming support, the search committee and board found Hope’s artistic vision to align with the goals we have for Charlotte Ballet,” Board of Trustees Chair Mark Maraffi said. “Her relationships with emerging and established choreographers promise years of exciting performances for Charlotte audiences.”

Hope’s Artistic Vision

“My vision for Charlotte Ballet is to build on the company’s reputation of performing challenging and diverse repertoire whilst continuing to educate, provoke and entertain our audience,” Hope said.

“I plan to draw on my vast international experience and network of choreographers, directors and designers to develop and enhance the company’s unique identity. I’m passionate about the nurturing of young talent from Charlotte and abroad, as well as collaboration with like-minded companies and artists. I envision a pioneering and innovative future for Charlotte Ballet in the US and abroad.”

Highlights from Hope’s Career

Born in Toronto, Hope has worked for the past 27 years throughout Europe, Canada and the United States in both classical and contemporary dance companies.
Hope danced with English National Ballet before joining Rambert Dance Company, under the direction of Christopher Bruce CBE, for over ten years. She completed her career in 2006 as a dancer with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago.

Since her retirement from the stage, Hope has been invited to work with some of the most prestigious companies worldwide, including The National Ballet of Canada, Rambert Dance Company, Pacific Northwest Ballet and Ballet BC, as a sought after guest teacher, stager and rehearsal director.

Hope has been remounting work internationally for a number of choreographers including Christopher Bruce CBE, Javier De Frutos, Helen Pickett and Crystal Pite.

In 2009 Hope joined the Scottish Ballet and in 2012, Hope was named rehearsal director. She was promoted to assistant artistic director in 2015. (Click here to learn more)

A Season of Celebration

Charlotte Ballet closes a successful 2015/2016 Season with Spring Works April 28-30 at the Knight Theater.

During the upcoming 2016/2017 Season, Charlotte Ballet will celebrate Artistic Director Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux’s
20 years of success and contributions.

Plans for Jean-Pierre’s final season will
be announced in May.
Hope Muir

Hope Muir

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