Friday, December 12, 2025 at MPAC in Morristown, NJ

Performance - 7:30 PM (Please purchase performance ticket through MPAC’s box office) Click here.

Post Performance Reception from 9:30 PM (Please click link above to pay ($50.00) for post performance reception)

Note: In order to attend the post performance reception, you will need to purchase a ticket to the performance in order to enter MPAC.

Paul McRae: A Legacy of Dedication, Leadership, and Artistry at New Jersey Ballet

After an extraordinary 48-year career with New Jersey Ballet, Paul McRae is preparing to retire, leaving behind a legacy that has shaped not only the Company but also the cultural fabric of New Jersey’s arts community. His journey is one of artistry, leadership, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to ballet.

Paul’s connection with New Jersey Ballet began long before his first contract. After moving to New Jersey from California in 1968, he joined New Jersey Ballet School and quickly immersed himself in its performances—dancing in George Tomal’s Cinderella in 1970 and the Company’s first Nutcracker the following year. By 1973, he was an apprentice, and just five years later, in July 1978, he was offered his first company contract.

From the start, Paul demonstrated not only talent on stage but also a keen interest in the broader workings of a ballet company. His early experiences with Pittsburgh Ballet Theater, where he balanced roles as a dancer, rehearsal assistant, outreach teacher, and media ambassador, revealed his curiosity and commitment to the art form in its many dimensions. When he joined New Jersey Ballet, his ability to learn and retain choreography quickly led him to be entrusted as a rehearsal assistant—a role that foreshadowed his future leadership.

In 1988, Carolyn Clark, New Jersey Ballet’s founder, invited Paul to become her assistant, recognizing his gifts not just as a dancer but also as a teacher, mentor, and advocate. Promoted to Assistant Director in 2001, Paul became a cornerstone of the Company’s leadership. Carolyn’s influence—her meticulous attention to detail, her dedication to nurturing young dancers, and her belief in collaboration and advocacy—profoundly shaped Paul’s philosophy. Together, they shared decades of partnership built on mutual respect, open dialogue, and a shared love of ballet. “Carolyn Clark was my teacher, my director, my mentor, and my friend. She always encouraged me to have my own vision, voice, and opinion. There were times when we had a difference of opinion, but we always discussed it until we reached a joint decision and moved forward as a team,” says Paul McRae.

As a performer, Paul brought countless roles to life with artistry and heart. From Balanchine’s sparkling Donizetti Variations to iconic works like Who Cares? and Stars and Stripes Pas de Deux, to character portrayals such as Don Quixote, Carabosse in Sleeping Beauty, and Drosselmeyer in Nutcracker, his versatility and stage presence became hallmarks of New Jersey Ballet’s repertory. He not only danced ballets but also embodied the storytelling and spirit that make the art form resonate with audiences.

Beyond the stage, Paul has mentored generations of dancers. His guidance encouraged artists to find their voice, pursue their passions, and grow into well-rounded individuals as well as accomplished performers. His commitment to education extended into the School, where he took joy in seeing students rise from the studio to the professional stage, carrying forward the values of discipline, artistry, and curiosity.

Paul’s contributions to New Jersey Ballet also include vision and innovation. He played a key role in milestone moments: the Company’s first full-season contracts in 1978, the expansion of its tri-located ballet school system, and the transformation of The Nutcracker into a grand production at MPAC with live music from the New Jersey Symphony. His commissioning of seven new works for the state’s 350th anniversary—featuring composers from New Jersey, collaborations with Jazz House Kids and the New Jersey Youth Symphony, and choreography from diverse voices—demonstrated his commitment to honoring the state’s cultural history while pushing ballet forward.

As Artistic Director Maria Kowroski took the helm in 2021, Paul became a bridge of continuity and a trusted advisor. He embraced her vision for New Jersey Ballet’s growth, recognizing in her leadership the strength and clarity needed to propel the Company toward national recognition. Seeing ballets he once performed return to repertory under her direction has been especially meaningful. “Maria came in with a clear and inspiring vision for where she would like the Company to be in five years,” he notes. “She has assembled a strong team of committed dancers, administrative and production staff, and a motivated board of directors to support her vision. The Company’s growth during her tenure has been remarkable.”

Maria Kowroski adds, “When I joined New Jersey Ballet, I stepped into an organization with a long history and legacy, and Paul was at the heart of it. As I found my footing as Artistic Director, he was patient, supportive, and always willing to guide me. Those first months would have been much harder without his generosity. He helped me understand the Company’s traditions and showed me how important it is to honor its legacy. No one knows this company better than Paul—its repertory, its costumes, and the countless dancers who have come through these doors. He will be deeply missed.”

Even as he retires, Paul’s passion for advocacy and education remains. He plans to stay involved with Dance NJ, an organization he helped found and nurture for more than 30 years, and to continue teaching and advising young dancers at Union County Vo-Tech High School’s Academy for Performing Arts.

Reflecting on his career, Paul is proudest of bringing new and diverse voices to audiences and of being part of New Jersey Ballet’s transformation from a regional company to a cultural force with statewide impact. His advice to young artists is timeless: “Equip yourself with knowledge, embrace collaboration, find your own voice, and above all, share your passion.” He adds, “As I step aside, I am happy to know that the Company is in good hands, both artistically and administratively. I am enthused to see the growth and commitment of the board of directors and thrilled to see that, thanks to David Tamaki’s (Executive Director) fiscal management, the Company is in a solid financial position. Also, Martin Harvey’s (Associate Director) enthusiastic leadership of the School is an inspiration to all involved.”

David Tamaki reflects, “Paul McRae has been a constant source of inspiration and guidance throughout my life. I first knew him as a young student, then as a dancer under his direction, and later as a colleague. His generosity, patience, and unwavering commitment shaped not only my path in ballet but the lives of countless dancers who passed through New Jersey Ballet. Paul’s legacy is woven into the fabric of this Company—his eye for detail, his belief in the transformative power of dance, and his dedication to nurturing talent will continue to inspire us for generations to come. I will always be grateful for the wisdom and mentorship he has given me since I was a child. It has been one of the great honors of my life to grow up under his guidance.”

Paul McRae’s departure marks the end of an era at New Jersey Ballet. His artistry, mentorship, and advocacy have left an indelible mark on the Company and on the arts in New Jersey. While he steps away from his formal role, his influence will continue to shape the Company’s spirit and success for years to come.

New Jersey Ballet will be honoring Paul McRae at the Opening Night performance of The Nutcracker at MPAC in Morristown on Friday, December 12, 2025 at 7:30pm. A post-performance reception will be held in the Art Upstairs Gallery. For information about performance and reception tickets for this special event, please email info@njballet.org.