The IndependentThe Cedar City Junior Ballet has found a new home in downtown Cedar City at 173 North 100 West, next to Evans Hairstyling College. The company plans on moving into their new studio space at the beginning of July, starting by making the necessary renovations.
Finding an ideal space has proven tricky for the community ballet organization. A classical studio space needs wood floors, high ceilings, uninterrupted wall space for mirrors and barres, and plenty of floor space. The company has been searching for a space that can accommodate these needs–as well as storage space for their custom-made costumes–for over a year. When artistic director Lise Mills saw the space available for rent, she realized the potential for a perfect studio space.
“We hold open auditions for every production and invite the entire community to participate,” the company’s Kickstarter campaign states. “Our goal is to enrich the arts by maintaining the highest standards of classical ballet.”
Indeed, every child or adult performer who auditions is given the opportunity to participate in the annual ballet performance and training. More than 50 dancers spend 7 months practicing for a ballet that brings a unique experience to southern Utah by allowing dancers of all skill levels from age 4 and up to participate in a full-length ballet.
“I love the opportunity to work with all levels of dancers, seeing the growth over the 7 months of rehearsals and the end results apparent in the performances,” says Mills. “Also, for many of our dancers, this might be the one and only time in their lives they get to wear a handmade tutu, or custom costume, and be a participant in a full-length classical ballet. It is a joy to be able to bring this opportunity to our community.”
The company currently has six ballets in its repertoire, including “Cinderella,” “Sleeping Beauty,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Coppelia,” “Les Pateneurs,” and “Peter and the Wolf.” Their 2016 season production will be “Coppelia,” which was the company’s premier performance 14 years ago.
Cedar City Junior Ballet has launched a Kickstarter campaign in an attempt to raise the funds needed for floor refinishing, ballet barres, paint, and mirrors. They are trying to raise $8,000 through the crowdfunding platform by July 1.
To find out more about Cedar City Junior Ballet’s Kickstarter campaign, visit the “Cedar’s Classical Ballet Needs a Home” Kickstarter page or visit the Cedar City Junior Ballet Facebook page.
