Press/Media

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JOSEPH PHILLIPS TAKES THE HELM

AT COLUMBIA CLASSICAL BALLET
 

Columbia, S.C.  September 27, 2024 – Columbia Classical Ballet is excited to welcome Joseph Phillips as its new Artistic Director. Phillips, a celebrated international dancer and choreographer, returns to his hometown of Columbia, S.C., to lead the company into a new era of artistic excellence and dancer development. He assumes the position following the recent departure of former Artistic Director Brooklyn Mack.

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Often referred to as “the Golden Boy of Ballet” due to his winning more Gold Medals in prestigious international competitions than any American male danseur, Phillips brings a wealth of experience and acclaim to the role. He has graced the stages of renowned companies such as San Francisco Ballet, Miami City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Ballet Manilla, and Mariinsky Ballet, Primorsky Stage, where he became one of the few American dancers to ever achieve the rank of principal dancer. He is also widely recognized as an esteemed teacher and choreographer, and currently serves as Artistic Director of El Camino Ballet.

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Deeply rooted in Columbia, where his journey in dance began, Phillips' first ballet school was Columbia Ballet School under the tutelage of Anita Ashley. His first male ballet teacher, Anthony Hampton, a South Carolina native, instilled in him the belief that ballet is for everyone, regardless of gender. His passion for ballet blossomed further when he performed in his first Nutcracker with the Columbia Music Festival Association under the artistic directorship of John Whitehead. He continued to hone his craft, training with Stanislav Issaev at the esteemed Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities in Greenville, South Carolina. Throughout his career, Phillips has maintained a strong connection to his home state, notably as a guest artist with South Carolina Ballet. Over the past two decades, he has also continued to work with the Columbia Music Festival Association, Columbia Ballet School, and Carolina Ballet.

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"I'm excited to bridge my work with El Camino Ballet and Columbia Classical Ballet, creating opportunities for both companies to expand their reach and share their artistry," said Phillips. "I envision bringing the unique creations of Columbia Classical Ballet to the West Coast, showcasing the talent and creativity that thrives in my hometown."

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Columbia Classical Ballet, nominated by Columbia Metropolitan Magazine for Best Performing Arts Group (Winner 2021-2024) and Best Dance Company, is known for its unparalleled outreach programs and commitment to the purity of classical ballet while embracing diverse dance forms. This season, the company boasts an international roster of dancers hailing from Colombia, Brazil, Venezuela, Kenya, Japan, and the U.S. They will perform at Koger Center for the Arts before embarking on a tour with the Charleston Ballet—the official Ballet of the state of West Virginia.

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"I'm honored to return to my roots and lead Columbia Classical Ballet into its next chapter," said Phillips. "Columbia holds a special place in my heart, and I'm deeply committed to nurturing the talents of our dancers and creating a company that is a source of pride for Columbia and a vibrant contributor to the international dance community."

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Columbia Classical Ballet will open its 2024/2025 Season on October 4 with Cinderella at Koger Center for the Arts, followed by The Nutcracker, December 4th-8th, also at Koger Center for the Arts.

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In recognition of his contributions to the arts, Joseph Phillips has been awarded ‘THE KEY TO THE CITY,’ declaring July 17 as Joseph Phillips Day in Columbia, South Carolina.