Nevada Ballet names interim artistic director

Choreographer James Canfield has been named interim artistic director of Nevada Ballet Theatre, assuming the position last held by Bruce Steivel, until the company hires a permanent replacement. Steivel left his post in December.

"James is an exceptional teacher with deep knowledge of the art form and a passion for the creative process," the ballet's Executive Director Beth Barbre said in a prepared statement. "He will be a tremendous asset to the company during this time of transition."

Canfield, a former dancer with the Joffrey Ballet, was founding artistic director of the Oregon Ballet Theatre and is currently a freelance choreographer. He recently staged his popular "Equinoxe" ballet as part of Nevada Ballet's "From Stravinsky to Sinatra" program.

"This is a great group of dancers, and I see great things ahead for the company," Canfield said in a statement. His duties will include preparing "East Meets West" and "Cinderella," the ballet's final two productions of the season, as well as helping to plan the 2008-09 season, participating in community outreach programs, working with the Academy of Nevada Ballet Theatre and sharing teaching responsibilities with ballet mistress Clarice Rathers.

The search for a permanent artistic director is expected to last into late 2008.