Friday, August 19, 2011

Raising the Barre

Last night Tulsa Ballet hosted the Barre Society’s Kick-Off Party! Young professionals (ages 20-40) interested in supporting the art of dance began the evening with an exclusive rehearsal viewing of William Forsythe’s In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated. Set to Thom Willems’ electric score, guests were impressed with the complexity and razor-sharp quality of the choreography that the dancers executed with a cool sense of edginess. Following rehearsal Studio K was transformed from a rehearsal space to a party scene with hors d'Ĺ“uvres, drinks and fun music. Barre members mingled with the Tulsa Ballet dancers and staff while eyeing the many exciting prizes up for membership drawing. 

Tulsa Ballet Corps de Ballet Federica Bagnera, Barre Society Committee Member Melissa Baker, Kristi Bush, Tulsa Ballet Corps de Ballet Stefano Maggiolo
Tulsa Ballet Demi-Soloist Yoshihisa Arai, Barre Society Committee Member Taheerah Salim, Tulsa Ballet Principal Soo Youn Choo
Prizes included four Tulsa Shock tickets, $25 to Little Black Dress with a bottle of 32 Winds Wine, $50 to Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, $100 to Total Pilates, $50 to Doc’s Food & Wine, $50 to Kilkenny’s Irish Pub, $50 to Chrome, a six month membership to the YWCA, $100 to Black Optical, a 14kt pearl necklace from Israel Diamond Supply, $25 to Edit with a bottle of 32 Winds Wine, a 50-minute massage to Ihloff Salon & Spa, three private training sessions with Kristi Bush, a three month membership to Sky Fitness and a VIP lunch for four at Saks followed by a makeup makeover and fashion consultation. We are so appreciative of the generosity from so many local vendors.

Tulsa Ballet Corps de Ballet Gabriela Gonzalez and Barre Society Member Amy Anderson
 Tulsa Ballet Senior Soloist Sofia Menteguiaga
and Barre Society Committee Member Mark Perkins
By the end of the night, the Barre Society officially welcomed 50 members to the 2011 - 2012 season. It's not too late to sign up! There is always room for more at our Barre!

Tulsa Ballet Corps de Ballet Ian Buchanan, Barre Society Committee Member Christy Craig, Kristi Bush
Membership with Tulsa Ballet's Barre Society includes a season pass to five Tulsa Ballet productions, plus invitations to special events, rehearsals and receptions throughout the year. See more details below:

Basic Membership
$250 per person (only $25 per month for 10 months)
·         Season ticket, including all five season productions
·         Entry into drawings for valuable prizes
·         Two exclusive rehearsal previews
·         Receptions with the dancers throughout the year
·         Free or discounted tickets to fundraising events
·         Recognition in Tulsa Ballet publications throughout the year
·         Subscription to CenterStage, the Tulsa Ballet newsletter
·         Private backstage tour
·         Admission for 2 in the patron lounge at every performance
·         One free ticket to bring a friend to the ballet

Platinum Membership
$1,000
·         Two season tickets, including all five productions
·         Entry into drawings for valuable prizes
·         Two invitations to at least two exclusive rehearsal previews
·         Invitation for two to two Founders Society previews and dinners
·         Receptions with the dancers throughout the year
·         Free or discounted tickets to fundraising events
·         Recognition in Tulsa Ballet publications
·         Subscription to CenterStage, the Tulsa Ballet newsletter
·         Private backstage tour
·         Admission for 2 in the patron lounge at every performance
·         One free ticket to bring a friend to the ballet
·         Two guest passes to the patron lounge at a PAC performance of your choice
Tulsa Ballet Corps de Ballet Erin Pritchard, Tulsa Ballet Corps de Ballet Jonnathan Ramirez Mejia, Barre Society Member Anna Black, Barre Society Committee Member Gary Black, Barre Society Committee Member Dustin Thames, Barre Society Member Sean Comaeux, Barre Society Member Lindsey Lazaroff, Barre Society Member Kenton Grant
 For more information on the Barre Society please visit www.tulsaballet.org. 
For more information on joining please contact Katie Selvidge at katie.selvidge@tulsaballet.org.

Monday, August 15, 2011

Boys & Girls Club visits Tulsa Ballet

Last Wednesday, the Tulsa Ballet welcomed children from the Boys & Girls Club of Tulsa to the studios for a special dance education day. The children watched the Tulsa Ballet dancers rehearse William Forsythe’s In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated for the 2011-2012 season.


Following the rehearsal, they had a question and answer session with principal dancer and resident choreographer Ma Cong. Ma answered all sorts of questions from, “When did you start dancing?” to “Is ballet harder than football?” which of course, he answered yes. The children then took a tour of the wardrobe department and showed off their ballet positions in the studios before it was time to go home. Thanks for stopping by and come again soon!
The Salvation Army Mabee Red Shield Boys & Girls Club is located on 1231 N. Harvard.