Celebrating Francis Patrelle: Dances Patrelle presents Festival of Ballets
Our take
The upcoming festival presented by Dances Patrelle, titled "In Dance, Francis Patrelle," is not just a celebration of dance; it is a poignant tribute to the late founder Francis Patrelle, who passed away in December 2025. This event, set to take place from March 27 to March 29, 2026, at MMAC, serves as a reminder of the rich legacy he has left behind in the world of dance. As detailed in the article, this festival features three distinct ballets, including the bold and risqué "Double Martini," which promises to captivate audiences with its jazzy allure reminiscent of the 1920s and 30s. The festival also includes the world premiere of "Three Paces Down," choreographed by Magali Johnston-Viens, drawing inspiration from the literary salons of Paris, a dynamic exploration that reflects the intersection of dance with the arts. This multifaceted celebration is a testament to how dance can encapsulate a culture and an era, breathing life into history through movement.
What makes this festival particularly compelling is the way it honors the spirit of Francis Patrelle, who was not only a choreographer but a visionary who understood the transformative power of dance. His work, including the beloved "The Yorkville Nutcracker," has touched countless lives, nurturing a community that appreciates the nuances of both classical ballet and contemporary expression. The festival is an opportunity for audiences to engage with this legacy and understand the impactful role that dance can play in our lives. As noted in the article, the evening will also feature live music arranged by Jerome Korman, further enhancing the immersive experience that Patrelle aimed to create in his productions. Such integration of live music with choreography is essential for evoking emotional responses and making the performance resonate with viewers on a deeper level.
Dance is not merely a performance art; it is a form of expression that can empower individuals and foster body positivity. The celebration of Francis Patrelle's work through this festival serves as a reminder of how dance can inspire confidence and self-love. In a world where body image issues are prevalent, events like these highlight the beauty of diversity in movement and the importance of embracing one's unique form. The collaboration between various artistic influences, as seen in "Three Paces Down," reflects how dance can serve as a bridge between different cultures and ideas, fostering a sense of community and belonging. It encourages us to appreciate our own bodies and the bodies of others, showcasing the myriad ways in which people can express themselves through movement.
As we look forward to the festival, we must ask ourselves how we can continue to honor the legacies of those who have shaped the arts. How do we ensure that their contributions are not only remembered but also celebrated in ways that engage future generations? The legacy of Francis Patrelle is not just about the ballets he created; it is about the inspiration he instilled in dancers and audiences alike. As we prepare to experience "In Dance, Francis Patrelle," let us celebrate not only the artistry on display but also the spirit of creativity that lives on through each performance. This festival is a call to action for all of us to embrace our bodies, express ourselves authentically, and support the arts that enrich our lives.
Dances Patrelle shares the three ballets making up In Dance, Francis Patrelle from March 27 – 29, 2026 at MMAC (248 West 60th Street). The festival is presented in honor of the company’s late founder, Francis Patrelle, who passed away in December of 2025.
The evening opens with Double Martini, a bold and risqué romp through the songs of the 1920s and 30s, with choreography by Francis Patrelle and live music arranged by Jerome Korman. The world premiere of Three Paces Down, choreographed by Magali Johnston-Viens and inspired by the poems of Djuna Barnes, Renée Vivien, Nancy Cunard and Gertrude Stein, and a painting by Pablo Picasso, is set in the literary salon culture of 1920s Paris. In Gilbert and Sullivan, The Ballet! “Act 3, Pinafore.” Francis Patrelle shows his mastery of the story ballet with this send-up of both the Gilbert and Sullivan classic and the artists’ struggles to get it on the stage. Eighteen dancers, live piano, and four singers make this an event not to be missed.
Francis Patrelle (1947–2025), a Juilliard graduate, was renowned for his dramatic, story-driven ballets presented in cities including Tokyo, Rome, Toronto, Philadelphia, St. Louis, and especially New York City. He created roles for leading dancers and choreographed for major opera companies such as Santa Fe Opera, Vienna State Opera, and Houston Grand Opera.
As resident choreographer for Albany Berkshire Ballet, he created full-length Romeo and Juliet and Firebird; at St. Louis Ballet, a full-length Swan Lake. In 1988, he founded Dances Patrelle, producing dozens of works including his popular American songbook series (American Dreamer, Rhapsody in Blue, Jazz/Fools, Come Rain/Come Shine, Glad to be Unhappy, POP!) and full-length ballets such as Macbeth (1995), The Yorkville Nutcracker (1996), Murder at the Masque: The Casebook of Edgar Allan Poe, Gilbert and Sullivan, The Ballet! (2011), The American Dream, It’s Only Business (2019), and the video ballet Separation (2021).
A dedicated teacher and mentor, Patrelle taught at Manhattan School of Music and Ballet Academy East, and choreographed for students at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, Juilliard Dance Ensemble, and others.
He received the ARTY Award from the Long Island Arts Council (1999), three Dance Magazine Foundation grants, the Choo San Goh Award for Choreography (2008), the first Playing Field Award from Kaatsbaan International Dance Center, and a Proclamation of Excellence from NYC Council Member Ben Kallos. In 2013, Dances Patrelle became resident company at Kaatsbaan International Dance Center.
“In Francis Patrelle’s ballets, the characters come alive. His choreography is full of heart and soul.” – Cynthia Gregory, Prima Ballerina
In Dance, Francis Patrelle will take place March 27-28 at 7PM and March 29 at 6PM. Please note that March 28 tickets include an afterparty with the artists. Tickets are $53 and can be purchased here.
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