Beginning of a new year!

Here we are, at the beginning of our fifth year. In August it's a great time for us to reflect on the growth of the previous school year. We've closed the books on another successful year, due in large part to ISB parents and community arts supporters. 

Our sold-out Nutcracker in December was followed by three wonderful performances of A Midsummer Night's Dream and other works in May. May We Dance!, our program at the picturesque Indiana History Center, showcased our youngest dancers cheered on by a very enthusiastic audience. The 2010 Dancing with the Masters series brought Sandra Jennings, Michael Vernon and Scott Jovovich to our studios for insightful master classes. Stay tuned for the final class of 2010 with Violette Verdy. 

Our first major fund raising project, Raise the Barre, was supported by our first fund raising event, Midsummer Soiree. The entire ISB staff and board give thanks to all of you who have come to our performances, driven your dancer to numerous classes, rehearsals and performances, and given necessary financial support. Our dancers and staff couldn't make the magic happen without all of your help.

Photo: H. Rosenfeld

The 2010 Summer Intensive with Sandra Jennings, Paul Vitali and Scott Jovovich produced inspiration and new choreography. We also welcomed some students from outside central Indiana. As word of the stellar instruction that goes on here travels, people travel to us. For perfect opportunities to see what we've been up to, save the dates for September 11 at 1 PM at Penrod Art Fair and October 3 at the Indianapolis Artsgarden at 3 PM. You'll be able to see these new additions to our repertoire. The performances will feature Save the Last Dance, a jazz production staged by Scott Jovovich, including two dances of Bob Fosse and a third movement choreographed by Jovovich. For the Penrod performance only, Oblivion, Astor Piazzolla's sensuous tango with choreography by Jovovich will be danced by ISB graduates Michelle Meltzer and Chris Lingner, both now attending Indiana University's prestigious ballet program. A ballet set to music by Johann Strauss, choreographed by Paul Vitali and Victoria Lyras, and a patriotic tap selection set to music of the Andrews Sisters, choreographed by Emily Nord Womersley, complete the program.

Photo: H. Rosenfeld

A new addition to our summer offerings was Ballet and Degas, a multi-discipline arts integration camp geared to younger dancers ages 6-10. Music, visual art and dance instruction were combined with field trips to a costume maker's shop and the Scottish Rite Cathedral Theater. Popular with campers and parents alike, we'll be doing a similar camp in June 2011. We'll announce the dates early in 2011.

Photo: M. Meltzer

The Indianapolis School of Ballet celebrated with cake at our Open House on August 14th. The day buzzed with activity. Busy studios of dancers rehearsed for the upcoming performance at the Penrod Art Fair, and families registered for classes which began Monday, August 16. Registration is ongoing, so visit www.indyballet.org or call us at 317-955-7525 for information.

Dancers are now moving onto new challenges, whether it's college or the next level here at ISB. We're excited to see what the new year brings, and can't wait to see all of our dancers who have been away for the summer return. Here's to a terrific 2010-2011 season!