The company was founded as Island Moving Company (IMC) in 1982 by a collective of choreographers who sought a forum for their work and who believed collaboration and a supportive environment enhance the creative process.
For 40 years, IMC served as a cultural attraction, creative catalyst, and educational resource for residents of Newport County, and accessible to all Rhode Islanders.
In 2023, as part of a new, multi-year strategic plan, a bold decision to rebrand the organization was implemented, and IMC is now NEWPORT CONTEMPORARY BALLET. The new name and identity change is evolutionary, building on 41 years of history and strengthening our commitment to our host community.
Our Future
Newport Contemporary Ballet, is poised to launch a new chapter in our 44-year history with the creation of our Center for Arts, Dance & Education. Situated in the heart of Newport, the center will allow us to expand and deepen our education and performance programs.
Our Vision
“Our work is dynamic and eclectic – highlighting the stylistic range of our company and, very importantly, integrating new and diverse artistic voices. Striving to reach broader audiences both near and far, we are pleased to move forward with our new identity that clearly defines who we are, what we do, and where we are from. We are very proud to be part of the vibrant city of Newport, Rhode Island, and believe our new name and new home will help us better serve our community and better represent it to the rest of the world.”
Danielle Genest,
Artistic Director
Founding Artistic Director, Miki Ohlsen
Miki Ohlsen
Founding Artistic Director
Miki Ohlsen studied with Herci & Myles Marsden in Rhode Island and graduated from the Fine Arts Academy in Amsterdam, Holland. After performing with DANSGROEP KRISTINA de CHATEL for several seasons, Miki returned to RI and founded the Newport Academy of Ballet, home of the Island Moving Company.
In her tenure as Artistic Director, she has promoted the work of young choreographers and encouraged and enabled collaboration between disciplines. Miki directed five projects for Meet the Composer and created works in collaboration with poets, musicians, actors and visual artists. During her career at IMC she has commissioned over 30 new works for the company, among them dances by Colin Connor, Scott Putman, Joe Celej, Mark Harootian, Stephanie Martinez, Andrea Dawn-Shelley and Spencer Gavin-Hering.
She has been instrumental in developing the team building and leadership workshops that are presented for renowned graduate programs throughout the Northeast. She also led the creative team that designed the residency programs that are now presented in schools from Mass. to Palm Beach Fla. Miki has choreographed over 30 works for the company, including the NY Times critically acclaimed A Newport Nutcracker at Rosecliff and her signature Dracula for Belcourt Castle
Miki served as the Artistic Director of IMC for 40 years–from its inception in 1982, until her retirement in August 2022.
