On May 25, 2025, in celebration of The State Ballet of Rhode Island's 65th Sapphire Anniversary, Governor Daniel J. McKee issued a Certificate of Special Recognition to the company and its Artistic Director, Herci Marsden.
The citation acknowledges The State Ballet of Rhode Island, the state's first civic regional ballet company, for its "dedication to preserving and promoting the art of ballet through performances, education, and community engagement."
Above all, this honor stands as a validation of Herci Marsden's work as Artistic Director since 1976. Across five decades of unbroken artistic leadership she has trained generations of dancers at Brae Crest School of Ballet, staged countless productions, and carried ballet into schools and communities throughout Rhode Island.
"I join the residents of Rhode Island in expressing our greatest admiration and deep gratitude for a job well done," the Governor writes in the citation, adding his very best wishes for continued success.
The original citation is also available as a PDF document.
