Tuesday, May 26 | 7:30pm
This headlining event for FestivALL features performances by special guest artists from Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Grace Rookstool and David O’Matz, joined by dancers from the Charleston Ballet under the direction of Kim Pauley, River City Youth Ballet Ensemble under the direction of Michelle Raider- Simon and JADCO Contemporary Dance Company under the direction of January Johnson. Enjoy the diverse choreography and vibrant performances offered by these enchanting artists.
Featured Guest Dancers:
Grace Rookstool
Grace Rookstool was born and raised on Whidbey Island in Washington. At just 3 years old, she began dance lessons at Island Dance. She started to focus more on classical ballet and joined Pacific Northwest Ballet School when she was 8 years old. She completed her training at PNB, including the Professional Division program. In 2019, upon graduation from the PD program, she was hired with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. She was promoted to Soloist in 2023, and Principal in 2025. In her time with PBT, she has had the opportunity to perform such roles as Juliet in Jean Christophe Maillot’s Romeo et Juliette, Aurora and Lilac Fairy in the Sleeping Beauty, Three Preludes by Ben Stevenson, and many Balanchine ballets including Stars and Stripes, Emeralds, and Allegro Brillante. She’s also been featured in contemporary works including First Flash by Jorma Elo and Meet Me at Midnight by Garrett Smith. Grace was named “25 to Watch” by Dance Magazine in 2023, and “Reader’s Choice” Best Performances of 2025.
David O’Matz
David O’Matz’s progression at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre came fast and furious. Each role the 25-year-old has danced since joining the company in 2022 has raised his profile, but something more seemed to click into place in the last year. As the Cavalier in Terrence S. Orr’s The Nutcracker, his enviable facility, clean technical skills, and leading-man stage presence were captivating. He was equally riveting as Tybalt in Jean-Christophe Maillot’s Roméo et Juliette, portraying an antagonist who was as likely to menace as seduce. His onstage promotion to soloist following his Tybalt debut last February came as no surprise.
A Pittsburgh native, O’Matz trained at the Ballet Academy of Pittsburgh before attending San Francisco Ballet School. He danced with The Joffrey Ballet’s Studio Company in 2020 and Orlando Ballet in 2021 before joining PBT. “David exhibits keen artistic sensibilities, and his technical abilities are exceptional,” says PBT artistic director Adam W. McKinney. “He is a demonstrative performer who uses every opportunity to grow personally and professionally.”
Now, O’Matz is focused on becoming a more intuitive partner (“Being able to sense your partner’s needs and wants at any time is a hallmark of many of the best,” he says) and challenging himself to dive fully into his roles. —Steve Sucato
Location: West Virginia Culture Center, 1900 Kanawha Blvd E Building 9, Charleston, WV 25305
Time: 7:30pm
Tickets: $20 adults, $10 children & students
DANCE FestivALL is made possible by Horace & Sally Emery, Caldwell Insurance, and an Anonymous Donor.
