Company Bio
Founded in 2014 by recently retired Dave Hurlbert (Founder/Artistic Director), the Marigny Opera Ballet is the resident company of the Marigny Opera House in New Orleans, Louisiana. Now in its tenth full season, the Ballet produces original contemporary ballets to live musical accompaniment.
Executive Director Evan Hammond produces each season of dance, hiring choreographers, composers, musicians and designers to create new works during each season, usually spanning October through March. The company currently enjoys the support of over 100 subscribers.
The company includes 8 professional dancers who rehearse each day at the Opera House. Over its first five years the Ballet attracted dancers from London, New York, New Jersey, Minnesota, Alabama and Mississippi. Their artistry has been recognized repeatedly by the annual awards granted by the Gambit Tribute to the Classical Arts in New Orleans.
Company Directors
Dave Hurlbert, Founder
Evan Hammond, Executive Director
Jarina Carvalho, Ballet Master
Lauren Guynes, Company Manager
Marigny Opera Ballet is funded and administered by the Marigny Opera House Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The Ballet owes its ongoing success to the dedication of its artists and staff, and to the generosity of its patrons, donors and corporate sponsors.
Awards
2015
Gambit Tribute to the Classical Arts
Outstanding Modern Dance Presentation
Selcouth Liaison
Marigny Opera Ballet
2016
Gambit Tribute to the Classical Arts
Outstanding Choreography (New Work)
“I was told there’d be cake”
Maritza Mercado-Narcisse
Marigny Opera Ballet
2017
Gambit Tribute to the Classical Arts
Outstanding Dance Presentation (Full-Length)
Giselle Deslondes
Marigny Opera Ballet
Outstanding Choreography (Full-Length)
Maya Taylor
Giselle Deslondes
Marigny Opera Ballet
2018
Gambit Tribute to the Classical Arts
Best Dance Ensemble
Best Dance Presentation (Full Length)
Book of Saints
Best Dance Presentation (Short)
Aguas de Dezembro
2019
Gambit Tribute to the Classical Arts
Outstanding Choreography (Full Length)
Follies of 1915
Choreographer: Kellis McSparrin-Oldenburg
Outstanding Choreography (Short)
Tells
Choreographer: Kellis McSparrin-Oldenburg
2020
Gambit Tribute to the Classical Arts
Outstanding Dance Ensemble
Marigny Opera Ballet
Outstanding Dance Presentation (Full Length)
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Outstanding Choreography (Full Length)
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Choreographer: Derwin May, Jr