BalletMet’s Company lineup will look a little different next year, as Jimmy Orrante, Carrie West, Jackson Prescott Sarver, Courtney Muscroft and Christopher Ellis will all retire from the stage following the final performance of American Masters on May 3.
Three of the retiring dancers have had 10+ year careers with BalletMet. Orrante joined the Company for the 1995–96 season, West in 1998–99 and Sarver in 2004–05.
Ballet is well-known for the toll that it takes on the body and when Orrante was asked by Columbus Monthly’s Kristen Schmidt how he knew he was ready to retire, he responded, “My body tells me I’m ready.” Similarly, West’s retirement was prompted by a knee injury.
Sarver says, “It has been a real privilege working, creating and dancing with BalletMet. This has been my home for my entire dance career and I have learned so much from my fellow dancers and the talented and inspirational artistic staff.”
Muscroft – a mother of two boys, ages six and 15 months – is leaving the stage after her sixth season with BalletMet. Ellis is the newest addition to the Company and his departure from dance is driven by a desire to try something new.
“I am going to pursue my passion for electrical engineering at Ohio State,” said Ellis. “With such an amazing university just around the corner, it feels like the perfect time for me get my degree.”
We invite you to join us for American Masters to celebrate these exceptional artists and honor their time with BalletMet.