Ballet Spartanburg will present its third ballet performance of the 2015-2016 season, Studio Series: Love Inspired, on Feb. 12 and 13 in its studios at Chapman Cultural Center, rather than on the main stage.
“While we are presenting this ballet in our studios, it is not unusual to have a studio series,” Executive Director Teresa S. Hough said. “Many ballet companies such as Atlanta, Nevada, and Houston Ballet present new works in a studio setting. We have chosen to present our Love Inspired series the weekend of Valentines and to offer table seating in our studio with light food and a glass of champagne.” Each night will offer two shows, one at 6 and another at 8 p.m.
“The 6 o’clock will have pre-dinner hors d’oeuvres and a glass of champagne,” she continued. “For the 8 o’clock production, we will have after-dinner sweets with champagne. We want everyone who attends to enjoy ballet in an intimate setting at a table with friends, or maybe to make new friends.”
“I wanted to celebrate this very special time of the year in which we are reminded to freely express our feelings of love for those individuals who are truly important in our lives, such as friends and family,” Artistic Director Carlos Agudelo said.
“I wanted to focus primarily on the excitement, and sometimes the exquisite pain we feel when one of Cupid’s arrows pierces our hearts. Everyone’s experience is different, whether it is the first time or not,” Agudelo continued. “I wanted to reflect this experience by showcasing duets choreographed to different genres of music and inspired by a variety of relationships and situations. Some relationships are engulfed by painful circumstances, physical or spiritual, and some relationships are driven by the carefree joy of living and sharing your journey in life with someone else.
“We are using a wide spectrum of musical genres, from classical to bluegrass to blues, jazz and Spanish guitar. Some of these duets will be danced to live music and singing by community artists Janice Wilkins, John Akers and Ann Hodge,” Agudelo concluded.
“Ballet is quite different up-close. We feel it is important to stretch artistically in our approach to offer to our community the highest of quality ballet,” Hough added. “With offering new choreography, a new setting, and the professionalism of our Company dancers, we hope we are opening new doors to creativity for our patrons to enjoy. For the price of our ticket, it is an incredible value and the perfect way to share Valentine’s Day a little early.”
The Studio Series is sponsored by Amy and Martial Robichaud. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and $15 for students. Though not restricted, Ballet Spartanburg recommends this show for patrons at least 18 years old. Tables and seats are limited. You may purchase an entire table or individual seats. Tickets are available by calling Ballet Spartanburg at (864) 583-0339. “These seats will sell quickly,” Hough noted.
More information can be found online at BalletSpartanburg.org or by calling Ballet Spartanburg offices at 583-0339, Monday-Friday, 9 p.m.-6 p.m.