Philadelphia Civic Ballet
The Philadelphia Civic Ballet was founded in 1955 by Noman Craig, and flourished until the late 1990’s when it disbanded. Norman Craig was from South Philadelphia. He studied in Hollywood and Philadelphia with Busby Berkley and worked on the “Gold Diggers” set.
The Company, was described in a company booklet (date 1954) as: “The Philadelphia Civic Ballet combines twofold – a great purpose and a very great need – to be ever a constant inspiration to all young students of the Ballet and to Ballet Lovers; to offer real hope of a professional career to ballet students who qualify and thus choose to dedicate themselves to the rigorous and disciplined life demanded of the ballet dancer. Heretofore, all ballet students seeking a professional career or training, were obliged to journey to other large cities to fulfill their aspirations.
It is the heartfelt hope of the faculty, the student body and the friends of the Philadelphia Civic Ballet that Philadelphians will take pride and behold the brightness and beauty of this highly regarded art among them. It is our sincere desire that Philadelphia will adopt this bright, young group and help them establish themselves with the greater Ballet Companies in America.”
-Norman Craig, Artistic Director
Press Clip:
“Special Series include: ‘Dance Happens in Philadelphia,’ 1968-1970 for families in every community – upwards of 75,000 people. ‘Dance the Language of Movement,’ a series of in-assembly performances in public and parochial schools from K to 12 in Philadelphia and suburbs. The program started in 1972 has been performed for upwards of 400,000 students, faculty, staff, and it is sponsored by Atlantic Richfield, Bell of Penna., Pa Council on the Arts and federally funded under Title IV C through the School District of Phila.”
– After 25 Years, Dance Dialogue, Fall 1980
Archivist and Dance Artist Gina Palumbo interviewed Carla Craig, the daughter of Alicia and Norman Craig, to recollect the interesting history of this local ballet troupe, dedicated to teaching young people and bringing the dance experience to students through school programs, as well as presenting an annual season with the company. Her mother Alicia Craig was described in that same company booklet: “Alicia Craig is Philadelphia’s first great Armenian American dancer and teacher. When she joined the Philadelphia Civic Ballet, she immediately rose to the rank of soloist. Her many achievements include teacher of ballet, Labanotation and Eurhythmics. She is also adding the study of music theory. To those who ask her what her greatest achievement is; she will say simply – being Mrs. Norman Craig.”
See Gina Palumbo’s video interview with Carla Craig HERE
