Lake Oconee Breeze

Local News

March 3, 2010

OPAS brings ballet to GCSU

By Jessica Luton Lake Oconee Breeze

MILLEDGEVILLE — The Oconee Performing Arts Society (OPAS) is branching out its reach this month with an event at Georgia College and State University’s Russell Auditorium in Milledgeville March 19.

Featuring the world-renowned dance company, American Ballet Theatre II (ABT II), the show will showcase both classical and contemporary dance pieces, inspiring both young and old with the power of dance.

OPAS Manager Samantha Duthler said putting on a production in Milledgeville adheres to the organization’s overall mission — bringing performing arts to the local region.

“In putting this program together, we just saw the opportunity to be able to expand into Baldwin County and be able to present there,” she said, “in addition to being able to offer the educational component to the students of Baldwin County.”

ABT II consists of 12 young dancers who are carefully selected for the opportunity to gain exposure through the company, with an opportunity to eventually move into the ranks of a professional dance company.

“ABT II is under the artistic direction of Wes Chapman, and they are in their 15th season,” said Duthler. “The group consists of 12 young dancers, and the company’s second purpose is to give these dancers the opportunity to work with an established professional program so they can then move on to the main professional companies.”

The fact that the company is second American Ballet Theatre company should have no caliber on the quality of performance that will be put on in Milledgeville, she said.

“These dancers are handpicked from around the world, so the fact that it’s the second company should not diminish them,” she said. “These are top-notch professional dancers.”

The company has received great acclaim in the United States with the likes of The New York Times calling ABT II dancers “well-trained and willing. They perform with an appealing blend of freshness and individual presence.”

The program that will be put on in Milledgeville will give the audience a wide scope of ballet performances, she said, as the company will perform selections from classical ballets as well as a contemporary selection.

“They are a classical ballet company, so it will lean more toward that classical element, but there will be a more contemporary selection, too,” she said.

In addition to an evening performance, OPAS will also be inspire Baldwin County high school students with an educational outreach component that will consist of a school performance of their program.

The performance will take place at 7:30 p.m. March 19, and tickets are currently available through the OPAS box office at (706) 999-1518 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Additionally, tickets may be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com.

Tickets are $35 for adults and $10 for children.

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