Spring production will feature two original ballets, including RBR’s first ballet with a cast of all children dancers.
The times have changed, people have changed, our priorities have changed. But still they persevere. Beginning their second decade of leading the arts in St. Charles Parish, River Region Ballet’s Spring Concert will feature a mixed program with something for everyone.
Performances will be on Saturday March 25 at 7:30 pm and Sunday March 26 at 2:00 pm. Both performances will be held at Destrehan High School Auditorium, #1 Wildcat Lane, in Destrehan.
Opening the performance will be Giselle Act II. Giselle is considered the most important ballet of the romantic era and is the only ballet with an unbroken tradition of performances since its first production in 1841 Paris. The featured ballet is a RRB original production of Thumbelina, created and choreographed by RRB’s artistic director Susan Ferrara. Lively and colorful, this ballet is a unique opportunity for the young dancers in the community as all roles will be danced by performers under 13 years of age. The final piece on the program is another original ballet by Ferrara, Passages. Passages is a touching look back to one’s own life with the only constant being “time”. This contemporary ballet is a moving piece for the mature audience member and dancer.
Once again joining the River Region Ballet, will be professional dancers Eleanor Bernard Carney and her husband Ian Carney. Both dancers are well known for unique artistic talents and chemistry onstage. Originally from New Orleans, the Carneys continue to dance throughout the country, guesting with many companies in various roles. Ian Carney has just completed his run dancing in the Broadway hit ‘Movin’ Out’. So it is with great pleasure that they return “home” to perform for their family and friends. They will be dancing the lead roles of Giselle and Albrecht in Giselle Act II and joining RRB’s company members in Passages.
Sarah Comiskey, founding company member and a member of the board of directors, will dance the lead role of Myrtha, Queen of the Wilis in Giselle and join other company members in Passages as well. Hilarion will be danced by David Rochon. River Region Ballet company members performing are Ashley Ericksen, Kelly Pepper, Autumn Billings, Anne Comiskey, Shelby Jacob, Emily Julian, Jill LeBlanc, Ariel Morris, Stephanie Nagele, Kelly Mannear Pourciau, and Brittany Sellers.
Dancers chosen by open audition performing in Thumbelina are Ann Marie Ory, in the title role, Caroline Abadie, Taylor Amedee, Kiersten Baker, Andrea Ball, Courtney Bergeron, Faith Bergeron, Carmen Blackwell, Allison Blanchard, Madison Cancienne, Mary Frances Candies, Ashley Carter, Emily Champagne, Rachael Cicero, Allyson Colomb, Abby Covington, Natalie Covington, Anna Dawson, Tessa Dufrene, Mia Dufresne, Brennan Ferguson, Elizabeth Gilmore, Erin Glynn, Calleigh Gondolfo, Cassie Gondolfo, Jenna Ibieta, Kasey McGill, Alyssa Melancon, Morgan Minard, Haley Morgan, Sarah Morrison, Molly Nagele, Shannon Nagele, Renee Navarre, Gabriella Naylor, Aisosa Ogunbor, Ekuase Ogunbor, Savanna Patureau, Brieanne Perry, Madeleine Raymond, Noelle Raymond, Erin Robicheaux, Lauren Robicheaux, Henry Robin, Lin Schexnayder, Lindsey Sellars, Micah Simmons, Victoria Simmons, Jolie St. Pierre, Christina Strohmeyer, Laura Sullivan, Madeline Toups, Kara Tucker, and Allie Wursteisen.
Tickets are $15.00 and may be purchased by calling 985-764-7678. Ticket order forms are also available at Images Dance Studio, 105-A River Point Drive in Destrehan. Information available at 985-764-7678 or email riverregionballet@cox.net.
This program is sponsored in part by: United Way of St. Charles; a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council as administered by the Houma Regional Arts Council and a grant from the River Region Arts & Humanities Council
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