dmission half-priced !

10am - 4pm

For more information contact:

Peter Bramante, Executive Director, peter@islandmovingco.org, 401.847.4470

Island Moving Company Announces New Name, Next Chapter

JANUARY 19, 2023, NEWPORT RI –Island Moving Company (IMC) today revealed their new name and branding at “Transforming our Future,” a special presentation held at their Newport studios. IMC is now Newport Contemporary Ballet , and their dance academy, NAB, is now The Academy at Newport Contemporary Ballet

The change is an evolutionary one building on 41 years of history, said Peter Bramante, Executive Directo r, as he welcomed assembled media and visitors.

“Thenewnamegrewoutofourstrategicplanningprocessandstrengthensourcommitmentto our home citywhileenrichingtheculturalvitalityoftheregionandremainingaglobalforceinthedanceworld.It’s especiallytimelyhavingjustwelcomedournewArtisticDirector,DanielleGenest,andintroducinga fresh vision,”he said.

Bramante introduced an exclusive dance video that revealed the new name , tagline, and web address in the company’s signature energetic and intimate style. The video , which featured Genest and dancers Emily Baker, Brooke DiFrancesco, Timur Kan, Edgardo Torres Estremera, and Gregory Tyndall , was shot & produced by Brandon Moye, of BMoye Productions.

Evan Smith, President & CEO of Discover Newport, added his thoughts on the importance of the arts and cultural community to Newport’s attraction as a world -class destination. “I’m very excited about this announcement.It’salwaysagooddaywhenthereisnewsthatsupportsthevitalroleofNewport’sartistic venues and cultural events in our region’s success, as well asthe many contributions that IMC, now NewportContemporaryBallet,hasmadeduringthepast40-plusyears.Infact,thelatestArtsEconomic Forecast Calculator estimates that IMC created a total annual economic impact of approximately $1.5 millionintermsofjobsandadditionalspending.”

Bramante also updated attendees on their multi -year plan to develop a permanent home. They formally closed on the purchase of th e property at 435 Broadway in Newport, RI, the former George H. Triplett School site in late December. Construction plans are underway for an 8,000 square footprint Center for Dance & Education with 14,000 sq. ft. of internal space on three levels , including seating for 180 patrons It will be fully ADA compliant, feature a community green space, a dedicated bus stop, and 39 on -site parking spaces.

To close out the event, Genest discussed her creative vision for the future as the company continues to be a driving force for innovation, creativity , and excellence in the field of dance “Theworkwehaveplanned isdynamicandeclectic - highlightingthestylisticrangeofourcompanyand,veryimportantly,integrating newanddiverseartisticvoices. Strivingtoreachbroaderaudiencesbothnearandfar,wearepleasedto moveforwardwithournewidentitythatclearlydefineswhoweare,whatwedo,andwherewearefrom. WeareveryproudtobepartofthevibrantcityofNewport,RhodeIsland,andbelieveournew name and newhomewillhelpusbetterserveourcommunityandbetterrepresentittotherestoftheworld.”

Further information can be found on the company’s new website, newportcontemporaryballet.org.

About Newport Contemporary Ballet

NCB is a non-profit, professional, contemporary ballet company founded 1982 with a long history of enriching the cultural fabric of commun ities throughout Rhode Island and the region. NCB serves as a cultural attraction, creative catalyst, and educational resource for residents of Newport County, and accessible to all Rhode Islanders. The company creates and presents, relevant, visceral, and engaging dance works by a diverse group of the worlds’ leading choreographers and collaborating artists NCB is widely known for its unique approach to experiential and site- specific performances and employs 13 professional dancers, 2 apprentice members, and 3 trainees by invitation NCB also runs The Academy at Newport Contemporary Ballet, a preprofessional school, and provides an in-school, arts-integrated learning program called Dancing Through Boundaries for over 4,500 kids across Newport County.