Celia Fushille Named Smuin Ballet Artistic Director
31 October 2007 – San Francisco, CA: Six months after the unexpected death of its founder and namesake, San Francisco’s internationally acclaimed Smuin Ballet (www.smuinballet.org) has announced the next phase of its artistic heritage by naming Celia Fushille as Artistic Director.
“This is exactly what Michael would have wanted,” said Patti Hume, Smuin Ballet Board Chair noting Fushille’s many years as Smuin’s protégé. “It was a unanimous vote of the board and one which we are thrilled to announce. Michael and his dancers have always depended upon Celia’s strength. Now, they will have her artistic leadership.”
Currently, Smuin Ballet is in the middle of its 2007 Fall / Winter Program and will soon present The Christmas Ballet, an eagerly anticipated Bay Area tradition. Spring 2008 will see the return of Michael’s classic Dancin’ with Gershwin.
“Michael left us with a unique vision, an incredible legacy and a strong organization,” said Fushille, whose first full vision as Artistic Director will be reflected in the 2008/2009 season. “With the support of our fine Board and the assistance of our committed staff, I will dedicate myself to nurturing and inspiring our gifted artists thereby assuring our audiences that Smuin Ballet will continue to bring them great joy and delight. It is an honor for me to lead this incredible company forward.”
Fushille began working with Michael Smuin when he was co-director of San Francisco Ballet. In 1993 a close collaboration began when Smuin approached Fushille as he was forming his own company, Smuin Ballet. Invited to work with him as a dancer, but also to assist him as Ballet Mistress, Fushille has been with the company since its inception. Over the years she was the inspiration for many of Smuin’s works, including Frankie and Johnny, Cyrano, The Blue Angel and the signature role of Santa Baby in Smuin's holiday classic, The Christmas Ballet. Fushille appeared in several films choreographed by Smuin, and was featured in the national telecast of Ira Gershwin at 100, filmed at Carnegie Hall. In 1998 Smuin promoted her to Associate Director where she began assisting Smuin in the artistic management of the company. After retiring from performing in August 2006 following a career spanning 25 years, she focused her energies on her role as Associate Director. Following Smuin's untimely passing in April 2007, Fushille stepped in at the helm of the company.
Smuin made the San Francisco Bay Area his home since he was a Principal Dancer with San Francisco Ballet, before going on to dance on Broadway, and appearing in film and television. He was Principal Dancer and Resident Choreographer for American Ballet Theatre before returning to San Francisco as Co-Director of San Francisco Ballet (1973-1985), and was instrumental in raising that company's profile in the international arts community, including many “Dance in America” programs on PBS. He directed ABT's 50th Anniversary Gala. Broadway credits include Sophisticated Ladies, Anything Goes (Tony Award for Choreography), Shogun and Canciones de Mi Padre. Feature film credits include Rumblefish, Cotton Club, Dracula, and The Fantasticks. Television credits include Ira Gershwin at 100: A Celebration at Carnegie Hall. His productions on PBS of Romeo and Juliet, The Tempest, and A Song for Dead Warriors won several Emmy Awards. His ballets are currently in the repertories of major dance companies around the country. Smuin died on April 23 of this year, suffering a heart-attack in his San Francisco studio as he was concluding a class with his company of dancers.
For more information on Smuin Ballet call (415) 495-2234, extension 0, email info@smuinballet.org or go online to www.smuinballet.org
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