Atlanta Ballet is pleased to announce that it has named Helen Pickett as the Company’s resident choreographer- a 3-year commitment that includes new works and an annual, one-week “Choreographic Essentials” workshop.

Pickett has presented on stages all over the world. Her initial collaboration with Atlanta Ballet was in March 2011 when McFall commissioned her “Petal” for the Company’s Fusion program. It was a highlight of the night and the season.

“The audience was taken in by Pickett’s “Petal,” a lushly hued, musically driving, sensually inventive and tactilely expressive look at human relationships,” said ArtsATL dance critic Cynthia Bond Perry. “Energized dancers propelled through space…all done with a glowing physicality that spontaneously brought the audience to its feet, startled by its extreme beauty, sensuality and effervescence.” For the 2011-12 season, McFall commissioned a world premiere from Pickett for the New Choreographic Voices program. Her “Prayer of Touch” was another instant hit, illustrated by enthusiastic audience response and praising reviews. “Pickett’s choreography is expertly crafted, clever, smart, whimsical, witty, daring, and humorous,” said Atlanta Backstage Beat dance writer Amy Howton.

Both Pickett’s “Petal” and “Prayer of Touch” are included in this season's programming, in anticipation of a Pickett world premiere for Atlanta Ballet's 13|14 season.

Click here for an ArtsATL article about the announcement.



About Helen Pickett
A San Diego native, Pickett began her dance career as a student under the direction of Lew Christensen and Michael Smuin and, later, Helgi Tomasson with The San Francisco Ballet. She then spent more than a decade with Ballet Frankfurt, achieving principal status, under the legendary William Forsythe, whom she credits with “shaping her aesthetic eye.” Pickett soon began to develop her own voice as a dance maker and in 2005 received her first choreographic commission from Boston Ballet. Now, seven years later, Pickett has choreographed more than 20 works and has easily become one of the most sought-after choreographers in dance today.

“Helen is a perfect choice,” said AB Executive Director Arturo Jacobus. “She is innovative and fresh, and she brings to this Company the Forsythe legacy, along with her own unique voice and growing reputation. I know she will have a significant impact on the artistic DNA of Atlanta Ballet.”

Click here for Helen Pickett's Choreographer in Residence page.