Free BalletMet Performance in Bicentennial Park
Friday, August 29 at 8 p.m.
A sunset on the Scioto Mile is the perfect setting for a sensational performance by BalletMet dancers at the Bicentennial Park Performing Arts Pavilion on Friday, August 29 at 8 p.m. All are invited to kick off Labor Day weekend with this FREE performance by BalletMet, which is part of the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department’s Rhythm on the River series.
THE EVENT IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
A varied bill of dances will be featured in the program. The performance will include a pas de duex from Don Quixote and will also feature a piece performed by the BalletMet Dance Academy students. BalletMet will then take the audience on an exhilarating journey through its upcoming season. This will be the general public’s first look at BalletMet Artistic Director Edwaard Liang’s programming selections for the 2014 – 2015 season.
“Rhythm on the River is such a unique performance series,” said BalletMet Artistic Director Edwaard Liang. “It allows us to bring dance, quite literally, outside the box and into the open air where the beauty of ballet can mingle effortlessly with nature.”
An excerpt from the highly anticipated Twisted: a Trio of Excellence will highlight dance premieres from Val Caniporali and Edwaard Liang and will also feature Columbus Opera singer Katherine Peterson. This collaboration between BalletMet, Opera Columbus and the Columbus Symphony and Chorus will “twist” three art forms – ballet, opera and symphony – together to highlight the best of Columbus’ arts.
Next, the classic fairytale Cinderella will be brought to new life through Edwaard Liang’s choreography for the sweet Cinderella and her wicked step sisters. Gerard Charles’ family favorite, The Nutcracker, will grace the stage with the exquisite Chinese Dance and Snow Pas de Deux, along with an inside look into how they were created.
The evening will also feature a sneak-peak of BalletMet’s new second company, BalletMet 2. Comprised of six highly skilled dancers ages 18-22, BalletMet 2 is a dance academy performing company that leverages dance training, performances and lectures to expand visibility, awareness and knowledge of dance as a profession.
“The Recreation and Parks Department is thrilled to continue this partnership with BalletMet,” said Karen Wiser, Scioto Mile Program Director. “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.”
Event attendees are invited to bring folding chairs, blankets and a picnic dinner. Food and beverages will be available for purchase in Bicentennial Park beginning at 6:30 p.m.
ABOUT BALLETMET COLUMBUS
BalletMet Columbus, renowned for its versatility and innovative repertory, ranks among the nation’s largest dance companies. Since its inception in 1978, BalletMet has made the commission and performance of new works a core organizational priority, with more than 150 World Premieres and hundreds of Company Premieres performed throughout its history. BalletMet stages 60 to 70 performances each year at home and on tour. In the past, the company has toured 28 U.S. states and internationally to Russia, Poland, Egypt, Spain and Canada. BalletMet also developed DanceReach, a series of educational and outreach programs serving nearly 30,000 people annually. The DanceReach program offers up to 60 scholarships each year to talented youth, many from minority and underserved groups, who could not otherwise participate.
ABOUT RHYTHM ON THE RIVER
Rhythm on the River features an eclectic array of touring artists, local musicians and arts organizations. Produced by the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department and made possible through the generous support of the Scioto Mile Endowment Fund: Columbus Downtown Development Corporation, ABC 6/ FOX 28, Rewind 103.5/104.3, Donatos, The Westin Columbus, WCBE 90.5FM, Sunny Street Café and The Holiday Inn Downtown. The series presents free outdoor performances in Bicentennial Park, a state-of-the-art venue with architecture that reflects the design of the Scioto Mile Fountain. In addition to Rhythm on the River, Bicentennial Park is also home to FountainSide presented by Sunny 95 (94.7 FM). All performances and programs are free and open to the public. For more information on programs along the Scioto Mile, please visit www.SciotoMile.com.
Calendar Information – Free BalletMet performance in Bicentennial Park
Date & Time: Friday, August 29, 8:00 p.m.
Location: Bicentennial Park, 233 Civic Center Dr., in downtown Columbus.
Description: Enjoy an evening of exhilarating dance as the talented dancers of BalletMet Columbus kick off Labor Day Weekend with a performance at Bicentennial Park Performing Arts Pavilion. Admission is free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase beginning at 6:30 pm.