Works in Progress - Conversations with the Artists

Queens Ballet Collective will present a new ballet to music by resident composer Nick Virzi on October 17th, 2026 at Joffrey Dance Center. Under the visionary direction of choreographer and Artistic Director Billy Blanken, Queens Ballet Collective has pushed the boundaries of ballet for more than a decade. This special studio performance and open rehearsal will take place at the Joffrey Dance Center in Long Island City, offering audiences an intimate look at both the creative process and the finished work. For this event, Mr. Blanken will unveil a new ballet set to an original score by Dr. Nick Virzi, performed by opera singer Isabel Springer. The dancers of Queens Ballet Collective will also perform selections from the company’s repertoire, including excerpts from Brahms Piano Quartet and The Nutcracker. Throughout the performance, the artists will share insights into their creative process and inspirations, while audiences will have the opportunity to observe behind-the-scenes coaching from Mr. Blanken. Following the showcase, audiences are invited to join a roundtable discussion with the artists, featuring QBC dancers, musicians, the costume designer, choreographer, and composer. During the conversation, Mr. Blanken will share his distinctive approach to choreography—a highly collaborative process shaped by his background in contemporary dance, ballet, experimental theatre, and performance studies, including reader’s theatre and Viewpoints. This special evening brings world-class chamber musicians and ballet artists directly into the Long Island City community, creating an intimate and engaging experience while enriching the neighborhood’s vibrant cultural landscape. This event is made possible with public funds from the Queens Arts Fund, a re-grant program supported by New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and administered by New York Foundation for the Arts.