The Rosin Box Project, San Diego’s emerging summer contemporary ballet company, has expanded its team and incorporated into a nonprofit organization after two successful seasons of innovative performances. Carly Topazio, The Rosin Box Project’s artistic director and founder, has brought on Thom Dancy as the company’s first managing director. Dancy brings eight years of nonprofit management experience to the burgeoning troupe, including work with several prominent arts organizations in San Diego. Together, Topazio and Dancy have assembled an inaugural board of directors that will help lead The Rosin Box Project within the San Diego performing arts scene. Directors include Rebekah Brown, Catherine Cheng, Ryan Field, Ted McCombs, Ashley McQueen, Caitlin Sullivan, and Samuel Topazio. The Rosin Box board held its first official meeting last November. On the bill for The Rosin Box Project’s 2020 summer season are two performances at Tenth Avenue Arts Center in downtown San Diego. The first production, to be held in the intimate black box theatre space, will be repertoire distinct to the innovative company. The program will feature ballets created by The Rosin Box Project choreographers and two works from San Diego native Kevin Jenkins. The second production will be four evenings of world premiere contemporary ballets, including a new work by a special guest choreographer. The Rosin Box Project also plans to host a “Ghost Light Masquerade” fundraiser in June, combining a masked ball and modern-day speakeasy with pop-up performances and devilish fun. Dancers will illuminate the dark corridors of Tenth Avenue’s gallery spaces in a one-night, after-hours event. The Rosin Box Project also has its sight set on education programs that provide integrated learning platforms to schools across the county, as well as mentorship for young and aspiring dance students to effectively pursue their passion. Due to the creative and nurturing environment, the company has created for its artists, both Topazio and Dancy see dance education as a part of The Rosin Box Project’s work heading into future seasons. As a fundamental part of its mission, The Rosin Box Project provides an opportunity for the choreographers and dancers with whom it works to explore their creative talent and technical craft through the creation and presentation of original contemporary ballets. Carly Topazio created The Rosin Box Project in May 2018. Starting with a photo campaign and a handful of professional dancers, she created a collective to present an original and innovative view on contemporary ballet, culminating in a series of sold-out performances. Staying true to the intimate nature of the company, the dancers orchestrated every aspect of putting on a production and curating visual appeal – choreographing, fundraising, marketing, and directing. For more information, visit therosinboxproject.com.
