Movement and dance are beautiful to behold. They can also help us stay fit and live longer. To that end, the J (Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia or JCCNV) has invited back the Richmond Ballet II (RBII) to perform. JCCNV has scheduled Pulitzer Prize winning author and Washington Post dance critic, Sarah L. Kaufman to discuss her new book, “The Art of Grace: On Moving Well Through Life” as a pre-performance event prior to the ballet.

“Our patrons have appreciated the varied programming of the J's Performing Arts Series. Richmond Ballet II is one of best quality touring dance troupes in our region, and it's a delight to host them,” said Dan Kirsch, cultural arts director of the JCCNV.

“We are thrilled that a tour grant from the Virginia Commission for the Arts makes it possible for the J to be able to present this dance performance to all, J members and non-members alike,” added Kirsch.

JCCNV is known for its strong dance class and program. Having Richmond Ballet II gives everyone interested in dance a performance “to inspire and cultivate a love of dance,” said Barri DeFrancisci, JCCNV dance director

Richmond Ballet II is led by Igor Antonov, who has danced many leading ballet roles. Antonov said that Richmond Ballet is designated as the “State Ballet of Virginia.” The RB II dance troupe performs throughout Virginia providing education and community outreach.

“Dance awakens the human spirit,” said Antonov. “It gives audiences the opportunity to watch and be transported by something so beautiful.” The RB II ballet performance will include choreography by Richmond Ballet founding artistic director Stoner Winslett, Ballet Master of Richmond Ballet Malcolm Burn and others. The accompanying music will range from Prokofiev to Rachmaninov and beyond.

Kaufman spoke of the “very distracted period of time we live in.” In hurried times “connections and close friendships” are important to us. She also expressed “the value of movement as a way to step into the stream of life, to be carried away.”

Kaufman will have an interactive discussion with J audiences about her book, “The Art of Grace.” Grace is “essential to civilized living; and there is no age requirement for grace; it is available to all of us.” Kaufman suggested that going beyond the normal bounds of one’s life “to engage life can bring peace of mind.”