ASHLAND — The Ashland Regional Ballet (ARB) and Opus II Dance Studio will again collaborate to bring the 34th annual Spring Dance Concert to the stage at Ashland University’s Hugo Young Theatre on May 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m.
Dancers ranging in ages from 6 through adult, and hailing primarily from the Ashland/Mansfield area will perform in this traditional event. The performance showcases the entire student body of Opus II Dance Studio in a variety of dances designed to be great family entertainment at family-friendly prices.
Each year Ashland Regional Ballet presents a special ballet production as part of this end of the school year celebration. This year’s feature is a retelling of Hellie Schussler’s staging of Hans Christian Anderson’s The Little Mermaid.
Schussler is quick to point out that this ballet more closely follows the story as told by Anderson, than the movie of which children are so familiar. This will be the fourth incarnation of this ballet and dancers from past casts will see very little changes from the versions they danced.
It remains one of Schussler’s favorite ballets in her repertoire.
“It holds a very special place for me,” Schussler said. “The story has depth and great beauty. The Little Mermaid’s gentle triumph over the evil influence of the Sea Witch holds great meaning. Gentle triumphs can hold powerful statements.”
ARB dancers featured in this performance are graduating seniors Amanda Ehrmantraut and Jamie Swartzentruber, of Ashland, and Claire Thrasher, of Mansfield.
Ehrmantraut dances the title role as Little Mermaid. Swartzentruber will portray the village girl who steals the heart of the man (Ryan Shreve of Mansfield) who is the object of Little Mermaid’s affection. Thrasher will bring the role of Sea Witch into sharp and vindictive focus.
Other ARB members appearing are Sydney Box, Avery Gingrich, Katie Harrigan, Abbi Hynek, Lucia Mancha, Daisy Rausch, and Lena Watson of Ashland; with Carlyna Crum and Annie Olecki, from Mansfield. Olecki will portray the Queen of the Mermaids.
The first half of the program presents a wide array of dance which provides opportunities for the contemporary dancers to kick up their heels, as well as allowing our youngest dancers to show what they have learned.
Choreography is by Schussler, ARB Artistic Director Sarah Cyders, ARB Faculty Member Jennifer Rose Latham, and alumni members Kimberly Cadley-Mach and Mark Koehler.
“This has been a wonderful school year, full of good dancing and lessons well-learned,” Schussler said. “The Opus and ARB dancers are eager to show-off their accomplishments.”
Performances are open to the public. Tickets are available at the Ashland University Box Office – 419-289-5125 or ASHLAND.EDU/TICKETS. Ticket prices from $8 to $12.
For more information contact Ashland Regional Ballet at 419-289-3581, e-mail opusARB@zoominternet.net, or visit www.AshlandRegionalBallet.org.
Who: Ashland Regional Ballet & Opus II Dance Studio
What: 34th Annual Spring Dance Concert
When: May 20 & 21 at 7:30 pm
Where: Hugo Young Theatre on the campus of Ashland University
Cost: Adults – $10 and $12. Students and Sr. Citizens – $8 and $10
Tickets: Ashland University Box Office – 419-289-5125 or ASHLAND.EDU/TICKETS
Contact: Ashland Regional Ballet at 419-289-3581, or e-mail opusARB@zoominternet.net
