If you're in the audience at Richmond Ballet's New Works Festival, you'll experience a show that didn't exist a season ago. The festival returns to the Studio Theatre March 19-24.

Four choreographers are selected each year to produce a new ballet in just 25 hours. They're given full access to the Richmond Ballet's production and costume teams to bring their 10-minute piece to life at the Studio Theatre.

"What makes the New Works Festival so exciting is that we, along with the audience, do not know what is in store," Associate Artistic Director Ma Cong said.

This year's festival will feature new ballets by Emily Adams, Ricardo Graziano, Andrea Schermoly, and Ira White. Adams, Graziano, and Schermoly come to the River City from companies in Salt Lake City, Sarasota, and Louisville, respectively.

Ira White is one of four choreographers creating works for the festival. | Richmond Ballet. All Rights Reserved. Photo by Sarah Ferguson.

A Richmond native, White got his start through the Ballet's Minds in Motion. The program connects young people to dance through classes, summer camps, and elementary school programs statewide. It's been a unique aspect of Richmond Ballet for over 25 years.

Now, White is a company dancer and Theatre Dance teacher at Richmond Ballet. Sneak peek: His piece looks to be inspired by jazz.

Experience the New Works Festival for yourself March 19-24. Weekday performances will take place at 6:30 p.m. There will be 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. shows on Saturday, March 23 and 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. shows on Sunday, March 24. Tickets start at $25.