Fairfield, Conn. – On November 7, the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts will host the East Coast Contemporary Ballet’s newest program, featuring the signature duet “Through You.” The piece, choreographed by co‑founders Claire Mazza and Alejandro Ulloa, tells the story of their partnership in both life and art and serves as a centerpiece for a seven‑piece evening that reflects the company’s eight‑year evolution.
Local roots, national ambition
Mazza, a graduate of the School of American Ballet, and Ulloa, a native of Nicaragua who trained at the Escuela Nacional de Ballet, first crossed paths at the Connecticut Ballet. Their shared experience of a fragmented state dance scene inspired them to create a model where dancers receive a living wage rather than juggling multiple part‑time jobs. “It sounds so cheesy now, but we wanted a place where dancers are being treated correctly,” Ulloa said.
Their vision materialized in 2018‑19 with the formation of East Coast Contemporary Ballet, a 10‑member company that now boasts a $300,000 budget, the majority of which is devoted to artist salaries. The company’s mission—to honor the fluidity of contemporary ballet while grounding it in classical technique—has resonated with audiences across Connecticut and New York.
Program highlights
In addition to “Through You,” the evening will include “Vessels,” the work that launched the company in 2021; Mazza’s new piece “Power Play,” set to music by Cristina Spinei; and “Brushstrokes,” an Impressionist‑inspired work to the “Lautrec Suite” by the late Nicolas Flagello. The program also features collaborations with local artists, including a performance with Stamford’s Orchestra Lumos and a sculpture by Italian artist Luca Serasini.
“Through You” unfolds in three movements, set to music by Valentin Silvestrov, Dustin O’Halloran, and Ernesto Lecuona. The choreography mirrors the couple’s personal journey—starting apart, moving in parallel, and finally intertwining in a tender embrace that symbolizes both artistic and romantic unity.
Community impact
Beyond the stage, Mazza directs a 350‑student dance program at the Darien Arts Center, while Ulloa teaches at the New Haven Ballet. Their combined efforts support a vibrant dance education ecosystem that serves students from age three to seniors over 70. The company’s recent “Salon Series” brings open rehearsals to museums, galleries, and other cultural venues, making contemporary ballet more accessible to the broader public.
Local supporters praise the company’s commitment to fair labor practices and artistic excellence. “They’re proving that a small, values‑driven organization can thrive without compromising on quality or the well‑being of its artists,” said a longtime patron of the arts in Fairfield.
Looking ahead
With nearly 50 works added to its repertoire and a growing network of collaborators, East Coast Contemporary Ballet aims to expand its seasonal offerings in both Connecticut and New York. The company’s focus on sustainable artist compensation and community engagement positions it as a model for other regional arts organizations.
Tickets for the November 7 performance are available through the Quick Center box office and online. Audiences are encouraged to arrive early for a pre‑show talk that will explore the company’s founding story and its vision for the future of dance in the region.
Original reporting: The Connecticut Mirror — read the source article.
