Ms. Claudia Mangan started what would become the Rockville Civic Ballet in 1974. Armed with sheer determination and faith in her belief that the Rockville community should have access to the art of ballet, Ms. Mangan approached the City Government and started the Rockville Civic Ballet.
You can read more about her amazing effort and the community she built at: A Ballet Grows in Rockville
The Rockville Civic Ballet consists of 75 adult and children dancers. Since 1974, the company has annually performed the holiday classic, “The Nutcracker.” The company also annually performs a spring and summer production. The RCB’s current Director is Ms. Eleanor Simpson, who is assisted by Ms. Erin Kwong.
The company’s repertoire includes fairytale ballets such as “Sleeping Beauty,” “Cinderella,” “Coppelia,” “Swan Lake” and “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.” Shakespeare’s comedies or tragedies, such as “As You Like It,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Othello,” are also performed.
The Rockville Civic Ballet has been fortunate to have the support of the City of Rockville. The City continues to play an instrumental role in RCB’s continued work by making its performances a part of its Arts and Entertainment plan. The City’s Department of Recreation and Parks hosts the Annual Student Performance, where many young aspiring dancers get their first taste of performing alongside RCB’s more seasoned dancers.