|
North Carolina Dance Theatre celebrated the career of distinguished principal dancer Mia Cunningham in a ceremony during its Friday, May 15, performance of Othello. Cunningham, who has danced 18 seasons with the Company, concludes an illustrious performance career this year. Due to an injury, Cunningham did not perform in Othello.
“Mia is the quintessence of what Dance Theatre is all about. She is brilliant in her diversity of dance styles,” says NC Dance Theatre President and Artistic Director Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux.
Cunningham is a native of Texas and an alumna of North Carolina School of the Arts. She danced with the San Antonio Ballet, Zurich Ballet, various concert groups in New York City and toured with Stars of the Soviet Ballet. Cunningham, whose 18-year tenure at Dance Theatre began under the direction of Salvatore Aiello, performed unforgettable roles in ballets by dance legends Alvin Ailey, George Balanchine, Paul Taylor, Agnes de Mille, Alonzo King and Jacqueline Buglisi. Bonnefoux, Aiello and NC Dance Theatre 2 Director Mark Diamond created iconic roles for her in ballets such as Cinderella, Nutcracker and A Streetcar Named Desire.
Describing Cunningham’s presence in the Company and her endearing connection with audiences Bonnefoux says, “She has a spark and a wonderful spirit. She is a unique dancer, and Dance Theatre will really miss her.”
Cunningham’s photo tribute: click here to download PowerPoint presentation.
 |
