The Revival of Live Music and Ballet
Through Rehearsal

In a behind-the-scenes look, watch a Rhode Island ballet company revive live music and choreography

Revolve Dance Project members during a dress rehearsal at Metamorphosis Dance Company in Pawtucket.
Revolve Dance Project members during a dress rehearsal at Metamorphosis Dance Company in Pawtucket.
Ty Parmenter
Share
Revolve Dance Project members during a dress rehearsal at Metamorphosis Dance Company in Pawtucket.
Revolve Dance Project members during a dress rehearsal at Metamorphosis Dance Company in Pawtucket.
Ty Parmenter
The Revival of Live Music and Ballet
Through Rehearsal
Copy

Experience a unique artistic renewal in Rhode Island with the Revolve Dance Project, where dancers and composers work together to create artistic performances in a behind-the-scenes look at their rehearsal. The local nonprofit organization is dedicated to fostering the connection between emerging choreographers and composers, bringing world-class music and ballet to the forefront of the Rhode Island arts scene. Seeing both composers and dancers on stage together is an extraordinary treat, and Rhode Island is fortunate for the Revolve Dance Project.

Ballet, originating in the 16th century, was performed with live music long before the invention of music playback technology. Ballet performances were originally held at extravagant gatherings, especially weddings among the nobility. Over time, the costumes, stages and scenery evolved to become more beautiful than ever. Today, however, the pairing of live music with ballet on stage is not as common in Rhode Island.

Performances that combine live music and choreography offer an amazing, multi-sensory experience, captivating both the ears and the eyes. This artistic fusion allows performers to interact and enhance each other’s work. Yet, the modern-day collaboration between musicians and dancers is often pushed aside by logistical and financial challenges.

During the “ART inc.” story on the “Art of Rehearsal,” we found ourselves in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, watching the Revolve Dance Project as members rehearsed with their choreographers and musicians. Witnessing this rehearsal firsthand, I can confirm that these two art forms are anything but simple. Whether in dance or music, the creatives demonstrated the intense effort and skill required during rehearsals. The creative collaboration between Kirsten Evans, the director of Revolve Dance Project, and Cameron MacIntosh, the organization’s music director, brilliantly brought ballet and live music together for an exhilarating experience.

This artistic revival not only honors ballet but also creates a safe place for contemporary artistic expression. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with a revitalized art form in Rhode Island. To learn more and be part of this unique experience, click here.

A few weeks ago, Rhode Island lost beloved musician and teacher Rory MacLeod. As we close out 2025, we’re sharing some excerpts from a studio session earlier this year with Rory and his wife, fiddle player Sandol Astrausky
Rhode Island’s senators say the Trump Justice Department bypassed a bipartisan process in appointing Charles ‘Chas’ Calenda, calling him unqualified for the top federal prosecutor role
‘I don’t have an additional $900 lying around in my family budget to pay for this’
Research from Salve Regina University shows many libraries across southern New England are dealing with employee burnout and high rates of turnover as they try to adapt to modern-day patron needs
For this year’s final episode of the Weekend 401, we have some New Year’s tips — from Deer Tick at the Uptown Theater, to the last Waterfire of the year, to the 30th annual ‘Moby-Dick’ marathon at the Whaling Museum. Plus: kick off the new year with an ice-cold splash at First Beach
The downtown landmark lit up again this holiday season, as its new owner hopes to reopen the building as art studios in early 2027