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| Ronn Guidi founded the Oakland Ballet Company in 1965, and served as its Artistic Director for 33 years. He is recognized and acclaimed for the class repertoire he created for the Oakland Ballet both locally and throughout the dance world. Through his vision many of the masterpieces of the Diaghilev Ballet Russe era (1909 to 1929) have been reconstructed as living art for audiences of our time. His revivals include Scheherazade, Le Train Blue, Les Biches, Petrouchka, La Boutique Fantasque, Bolero, Les Noces, and Afternoon of a Faun. As a result of his efforts, these works are now staged by other dance companies throughout the world.
In 1968 he founded the Oakland Ballet Academy to train dancers not only for the Oakland Ballet, but also for other companies in the United States and Europe. Many dancers he has taught have danced with notable companies including the Joffery Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, Dance Theatre of Harlem, San Francisco Ballet, Ballet West, and, of course, the Oakland Ballet Company. The Academy provides classical ballet training combining Mr. Guidi's own methods with his legacy of Russian and Danish background. In the 1960's, he introduced floor exercises that enhance turn out, extension, and placement. He teaches ballet as an art form and encourages self-discipline. He views dance as a life experience that will enhance everyday living activities. Motivation and encouragement are key elements in the Academy. The principles of placement, musicality, and coordination are stressed in all classes. Classical ballet is taught in such a manner that the body is not forced. Mr. Guidi believes that dance is a natural expression of beauty in all people, and feels that people should dance because they enjoy and love dance—for its own sake. |