Oregon Ballet Theatre’s beloved principal dancer Xuan Cheng will make her farewell performances as Sylphide with long time partner Brian Simcoe in the role of James. After 10 years, she departs for Hong Kong Ballet where she will take the dual role of principal dancer and ballet mistress. Xuan joined OBT in 2011 under then artistic director, Christopher Stowell. Known for her incredible classical technique and delicacy on stage, Xuan also wowed Portland audiences with her no-holds barred performances in contemporary works by William Forsythe, Nacho Duato, and Jiří Kylián among others. Xuan’s final performance will be on the closing night of La Sylphide, Saturday, February 25 at 7:30 pm. OBT will be honoring her career during its annual gala dinner held the same evening followed by an on-stage post show party.
Check back for more features and interviews with Xuan in the coming weeks!
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POINTE MAGAZINE: Read about Xuan and her upcoming plans in Gavin Larsen’s article, Splitting Her Season Between OBT and Hong Kong Ballet, on the Joys and Challenges of Multi-Tasking
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Watch Xuan go behind-the-scenes with some of her favorite ballet moments in, Elements of Dance.
Click below to view a photo album of Xuan’s favorite photos from her 12 years with OBT.
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