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Longtime BalletMet dancers Emily Gotschall and David Ward move on

We have some bittersweet news to share: Dancers Emily Gotschall and David Ward have recently decided not to return for the 2017-2018 season.

Emily will retire after being a company member with us since 2005 and starting classes at our academy when she was a very young dancer.

Emily shares:

“From my very very first class with Ms. Daryl as a 10-year-old student, I have been shown such incredible love and encouragement here. To have been given a special place in this business, where I have felt appreciation and faith in my efforts as an artist and a person, that has been a gift far beyond measure to me. Please accept my sincere gratitude for all the years of love, laughter, and great work that we have shared. All our thanks for your support of our family and for loving our little [daughter] Alice as we look forward to this new chapter!”

“I feel so lucky to have been able to watch Emily during her entire professional career with BalletMet,” said Executive Director Sue Porter. “She is a very special artist, a role model for other dancers and an incredible person and now mother. While we will all miss seeing her in the studios each day, she has left a legacy of grace and kindness that will not be forgotten.”

In addition to Emily’s retirement, David has decided to pursue a career outside of Columbus.

David shares:

“This decision has been the most difficult of my professional career. My growth as an artist here over the past seven years has developed because of the BalletMet family, and I will always hold the company in the highest regard. I feel enormous appreciation toward Edwaard Liang and former Artistic Director Gerard Charles for their mentoring support throughout my time here.”

“Over the last four years I have enjoyed working with David. He is a beautiful dancer who makes the story of a ballet come alive,” said Artistic Director Edwaard Liang. “We will never forget his recent Romeo and of course his many performances of Dracula. I wish him and Emily all the best. ”

Emily and David will be greatly missed, but we are so excited for them to experience their next adventures in life. They will always remain a special part of the BalletMet family, and we look forward to seeing them and sweet little Alice whenever they are able to visit.