About Us
Founded in 1987 by Timothy M. Draper as a student-based company, Rochester City Ballet has grown into a nationally recognized professional ensemble and the only professional ballet company in Western New York. Following the passing of its founder in 2003, RCB transitioned to a fully professional company, marking a pivotal moment in its evolution. The company presented its first New York City season in July 2010 and, in 2013, was selected to perform in the prestigious Inside/Out series at Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival—milestones that affirmed its rising national profile. Today, RCB stands as both a nationally significant dance company and a cherished cultural institution in the Finger Lakes region.
From grand classical masterworks to bold contemporary innovation, Rochester City Ballet is defined by artistic range, excellence, and vision. Its repertoire spans full-length canonical ballets such as The Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, Firebird, and Cinderella, alongside masterworks by celebrated choreographers including George Balanchine, Salvatore Aiello, and Gerald Arpino. Committed not only to honoring tradition but advancing the art form, RCB regularly commissions new works from distinguished and emerging choreographers, positioning the company at the forefront of today’s ballet landscape.
Deeply rooted in its community, Rochester City Ballet extends its impact far beyond the stage. Through robust educational initiatives and partnerships within the Rochester City School District, local colleges, and community centers, RCB expands access to dance for diverse audiences. Its thoughtfully produced sensory-friendly performances further ensure that families of all abilities can experience the joy and power of live performance.
A cornerstone of Rochester’s arts community, RCB maintains longstanding collaborations with leading cultural institutions and artists. The company shares a historic partnership with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra for its production of The Nutcracker, and has collaborated on special projects with Music Director Andreas Delfs and Principal Pops Conductor Jeff Tyzik. Additional artistic partnerships include the Society for Chamber Music in Rochester, The Cello Divas, Arabesque Winds, bassist James VanDemark, and numerous visual and virtual artists. In addition to regional touring, RCB regularly performs at major local venues including Kodak Hall at the Eastman Theatre, the Nazareth College Arts Center, Rochester Institute of Technology, the Auditorium Theatre, and the School of the Arts—continuing to elevate and enrich Rochester’s cultural landscape.
