BALLETMET | Friday, August 31

The nighttime sky on the Scioto Mile is the perfect backdrop for an evening of exhilarating dance as the talented dancers of BalletMet Columbus kick off Labor Day weekend with a performance at the Bicentennial Park Performing Arts Pavilion Friday, August 31 at 8 p.m.

BalletMet’s performance is part of the Rhythm on the River series and is a co-production of BalletMet and the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department. The event is FREE and open to the public.

A varied bill of dances will be featured on the program, from the great storybook classics Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty to more modern ballets by Amy Seiwert, two-time Tony Award-nominee Lynn Taylor-Corbett and BalletMet dancers Jimmy Orrante and Gabriel Smith. The evening will also include several notable works from the company’s 2011-2012 season, among them a pas de deux from Amedeo Amodio’s Carmen, Orrante’s Illuminated Tapestry from the season ender DanceTech program and Darrell Grand Moultrie’s Pulses, Chords, Passion from the much lauded Jazz Moves Columbus production.

Families with youngsters are especially encouraged to arrive early for a pre-show movement activity and a reading of BalletMet’s newly published children’s book “Leap and Twirl.” In addition, singer/songwriter Elijah Aaron will perform “The Buckeye City,” his winning entry in a citywide song contest celebrating the bicentennial. “The Buckeye City” was recently released on a new compilation CD “Celebrate Columbus in Song,” sponsored by the 200Columbus bicentennial committee and the Greater Columbus Arts Council.

“This is our 16th year collaborating with the Recreation and Parks Department and we’re thrilled to be back this summer for the riverfront performances,” said BalletMet Executive Director, Cheri Mitchell. “It’s always such a great event for the community, and our dancers just love it.”

“The Recreation and Parks Department is pleased to continue this partnership with BalletMet,” said Karen Wiser, Office of Special Events. “This annual free performance of BalletMet on the riverfront is a great gift to the community, offering a fabulous evening of dance in a setting unlike anything else in the city.”

BalletMet Columbus, renowned for its versatility and innovative repertory, ranks among the nation’s largest dance companies, and its Dance Academy ranks among the largest dance-training centers. Since its inception in 1978, BalletMet has added 157 company premieres to its repertoire and produced 142 world premieres. It has also developed DanceReach, a series of educational and outreach programs that serve nearly 35,000 people annually; through DanceReach, up to 70 scholarships each year give access to talented youth, many from minority and underserved groups, who cannot otherwise participate.

Event attendees are invited to bring folding chairs, blankets and to pack a picnic dinner. Food and beverages will be available for purchase in Bicentennial Park beginning at 6:30 p.m.

ARTIST WEBSITES:
https://www.balletmet.org/

EVENING SCHEDULE:
6:30 p.m. – Food and beverage sales begin
7:15 p.m. – Pre-show activities
8:00 p.m. – Performance

PARKING INFORMATION:


Designated drop-off area for shuttles, buses, and persons with disabilities is located on Main Street at the end of the loading dock behind the Bicentennial Park Performing Arts Pavilion. This area is NOT for use by the general public. Please be considerate to the needs of our senior patrons and visitors with disabilities. This is a drop-off area ONLY. All vehicles must move to a parking lot or garage immediately after unloading.
Parking is available at various surface lots and garages in close proximity to Bicentennial Park. However, these parking facilities are independently owned and we can not guarantee availability or cost.

THANK YOU TO OUR PROGRAM SPONSORS: