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ORLANDO, FL – Thursday, December 16, 2021 – After a months-long national search, Jorden |
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Morris has been named Artistic Director for Orlando Ballet, the organization’s Board of |
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Directors announced today. The Board of Directors selected Morris by unanimous vote. “Jorden’s remarkable creativity blended with his depth of business knowledge and experience, made him the clear choice as Artistic Director,” said Board President Jonathan Ledden. “We’ve had the good fortune to get to know Jorden well and to experience his talent and vision. We are inspired by his skill, innovation and enthusiasm which have already significantly impacted the Orlando Ballet organization.” Morris’ productions of Moulin Rouge – The Ballet and Peter Pan last season inspired unprecedented critical acclaim and attendance. His highly anticipated glamorous production of |
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The Great Gatsby will close the season in April 2022. Morris is credited with implementing creative enhancements to this year’s traditional production of The Nutcracker, and enthusiasm is high for this season’s performance of Giselle with live music at the new Steinmetz Hall and which Morris will direct in collaboration with Phillip Broomhead, Director of Orlando Ballet School. |
“Over the past four decades I have performed, created, taught, and learned from a wealth of artists and organizations across the globe – I am incredibly excited to share my artistic experience, knowledge and love for dance with Orlando. Working with Orlando Ballet over the past year has been a rich and rewarding experience. As the new artistic director, I look forward to the cultivation and development of the artists, students, and repertoire of this outstanding organization,” Morris said. “My commitment to our audience, patrons and donors is to produce
and perform works of the highest quality and challenge the boundaries of dance today. Collaborating and sharing our creative energy with fellow arts organizations will only enrich and expand Orlando’s artistic presence.”
Orlando Ballet Board Member and Vice President of Disney Parks Live Entertainment Bettina Buckley said, “After seeing what Jorden has accomplished in six months, I can only imagine what he can create given three years.”
Morris’ career began at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet where he danced for 11 years. He has held leadership positions at Boston Ballet, Edmonton Citie Ballet and The School of Royal Winnipeg Ballet. He assumed the role of Guest Artistic Director at Orlando Ballet in August and his creative skills and positive influences were immediately apparent. His focus will be on enhancements to production quality and expanding the mission of Orlando Ballet School and Community Enrichment.
About Orlando Ballet:
Founded in 1974, Orlando Ballet is Central Florida’s only fully residential professional ballet
company. Orlando Ballet produces year-round main stage productions at the Dr. Phillips Center
for the Performing Arts and Harriett’s Orlando Ballet Centre, featuring timeless masterpieces
and innovative contemporary world premieres, achieving the highest level of professionalism
and artistic excellence. Orlando Ballet promotes dance education through community
enrichment programs, performance lecture demonstrations, the renowned Orlando Ballet
School, and Orlando Ballet II, a second pre-professional company to train and support dancers
as they approach the start of their dance careers. For information about Orlando Ballet, please
visit our website at OrlandoBallet.org.
