NYICFestival2016Performances are an integral part of our company's season. The annual New York International Choreographers Festival™, a fully staged production that presents choreographers' new works, which are performed by the artists of the Staten Island Ballet. The Festival introduces new works by up to five guest choreographers, including artists from Africa, South America, Europe and Asia.

Since the Festival began in 2001, numerous new works in the ballet vocabulary have originated at the Festival, which draws as many as 700 audience members to the Center for the Arts. The project encourages established and emerging choreographers to develop their visions without the cost of rehearsal space or dancers. Choreographers are selected in a review of submissions.

SIB provides a stipend of up to $500, free rehearsal space at its studios, as well as its troupe of professional dancers to perform. Live music is often featured, including original compositions for dance, such as an original score by jazz-guitar recording artist and composer Ben Sher.

In efforts to uplift people in need, the SIB distributes tickets free to homeless families, disadvantaged schools and community groups. Each year, the SIB donates up to 20 percent of all tickets to paid performances at its home venue, the 430-seat Williamson Theatre at the Center for the Arts.