Leaps Outreach Program

Education Programs Coordinator Colleen Lahti shares an insider’s look to one of Tulsa Ballet’s most successful outreach programs. Thanks to our generous supporters, including many Sinatra Ball guests who recently helped us raise more than $18,000 for outreach programs during the event’s live auction, Tulsa Ballet is able to educate local school children about the beauty, discipline and fun in dance.

Leaps Outreach Program is in full swing!  What does that mean exactly?  It means that three mornings a week, nearly 200 students travel from their elementary schools to Tulsa Ballet for ballet class!  The morning starts out when the students from Marshall Elementary and Wright Elementary arrive and make their way into the student locker rooms to change into their ballet uniform (provided by Tulsa Ballet).  Then it’s around the corner into their assigned studio –Pam Cameron teaches the girls’ class and Andrea Wamble teaches the boys’ class.   For the next forty-five minutes, the students are intensely focused on the different and challenging movements being demonstrated first by their instructors.  Even the accompanying school teachers join in when it’s the students’ turn!  After class, it’s back out to the locker room to change back into their school uniform before heading out the front doors and back to their schools. 

Our first week was a little different from the normal routine, as Tulsa Ballet staff and volunteers took several students at a time out of class and administered tests in jumping, sit-ups, flexibility and balancing to all participants.  At the end of the six week program, we will do another set of the same tests to show students how their ballet classes have helped them improve in these foundational areas!

 I love seeing this program come to fruition since this may be the only exposure to the art of ballet that hundreds of children receive every year.  Each student’s family also receives a voucher for free tickets to one of the Tulsa Ballet’s performances at the Tulsa PAC, broadening even more the horizon for appreciation of dance beyond the individual student.  I have had the pleasure of seeing over the years several of our TBCDE students start out in the Leaps Outreach Program and continue to nurture their love of ballet right here in the Tulsa Ballet studios.  -Colleen Lahti

Marshall Second Grade Boys

Marshall Second Grade Girls

Write Your Own Review!

 Tulsa Ballet opened its season with the comic and enchanting The Merry Widow this weekend. From breathtaking ball rooms to flirtatious can-can girls, at this ballet we had audiences tweeting: 

“another must see” (@TaraVreeland) 

and 

"beautiful costumes and spectacular performance” (@kjprough)

There were several reviews of the ballet over the weekend, but we want to know what you thought of the performance. What did you think of Ronald Hynd's choreography? Franz Lehar's music? Roberta Guidi di Bagno's costumes and sets? What about our dancers?

Support the Ballet by Buying Shoes at Marmi

 

You can support the ballet by shopping! On Thursday, September 22, join Tulsa Ballet's Board President Betty Pirnat at Marmi for a fun shoe shopping evening from 4:00pm - 6:00pm. Enjoy 10% off your purchase for the entire weekend and know that 10% of event proceeds benefit the Tulsa Ballet.

Ronald Hynd's The Merry Widow

Opening the season in style, Tulsa Ballet delights audiences from September 23 – 25 with the Oklahoma premiere of The Merry Widow. Choreographed by the internationally-acclaimed Ronald Hynd, this lavish production showcases spectacular dancing and tells the intoxicating tale of money, romance and intrigue. Tulsa Ballet will present three performances of The Merry Widow at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. Tickets may be purchased by calling (918) 749-6006 or by visiting www.tulsaballet.org.

Recently, we had a chat with choreographer Ronald Hynd and his wife/repetuer Annette Page as they described the ballet and set the premise of the evening. Check out the interview and rehearsal footage of The Merry Widow in our latest video!

Choreographer's Circle - In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated

Recently, members of Tulsa Ballet’s Founders Society were treated to an intimate rehearsal and reception with dancers and current guest artist Jodie Gates. Members observed as Gates staged one of the iconic pas de deuxs from William Forsythe’s neoclassical masterpiece In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated to be performed by Tulsa Ballet this October. Following rehearsal, the patrons enjoyed learning more about Forsythe and the complexity of his work through a private discussion with Gates and the dancers. Take a look inside the Choreographer’s Circle with a preview to In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated…

Tulsa Ballet will be performing In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated at the Nine Sinatra Songs performances. Performances will be at the Tulsa PAC on October 28 at 8 p.m., October 29 at 8 p.m. and October 30 at 3 p.m. For tickets please visit us online at www.tulsaballet.org or give us a call at (918) 749-6006.

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'œuvres, 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.

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.

Checking in with TB Apprentice Lawrence Knox: Summertime and the living is...busy!

by Lawerence Knox, Tulsa Ballet Apprentice



Backpacking in Europe. Skydiving. Riding in a hot air balloon. Zip-lining in Canada. I would love to tell you that these ambitious adventures described my summer, but, with four siblings, it has become increasingly difficult to find a common week of time off. So, what have I been doing during this break? My first thought, when Amy asked me this question, was "Well, I got my haircut," but I won't bore you with the excitement that brought me.

This summer is actually the first that I have not traveled to attend a summer ballet intensive, so I have been fortunate to be with my family for the past month. However, this is not the only reason that this break has been unusual for me. From 10am to 3pm, Monday through Thursday, I can be found in a classroom at the University of Arkansas Fort Smith. I am now two days away from completing my first two college credits, Math and English. At this point, I'm hoping to major in Journalism, as I continue my college education along side my ballet career. I am planning on completing the second semester of my English Composition class while dancing in the fall. Although I have enjoyed using this side of my brain again, I will take a full day in the studio over five hours sitting in a desk any day!

I have also been teaching private ballet lessons to girls here in Fort Smith a couple days a week. This has provided me the opportunity to share my passion with those around me who are not as aware of the professional side of the ballet world. Unfortunately, the arts are not supported here like they are in Tulsa, granted it is a much smaller city.

The time I've had with my family this summer, whether it be watching movies, swimming, running errands with my parents, or bike riding with my sister and friends, is time that I will always cherish. The summer had started off with a trip to Colorado for my brother's college graduation, and was soon followed by my sister's high school graduation. Not long ago, my mom and I helped with microphones backstage during my sister's theater week of "Hairspray" here in town, in which she played Amber. It was a fun experience for me to be on the other side of the performance. (Guess I can't stay away from the theater for too long!)

I will be in Tulsa for a little while as well. Babysitting three wonderful children while their parents vacation for eight days, taking some morning classes at Pointe to the Future, and teaching a couple of the adult classes are on my list of things coming up soon and before I know it, the season will be starting!

So, although I have not traveled far this summer and I can't provide you with a tale of how I survived free-falling out of an airplane, I have had a great summer— fun, relaxing, accomplished, never dull, and exactly how I wanted it to be.

TBCDE Student Performances

Dear Friends,

I am excited to invite you to our 8th annual End of Year Performances! This marks the end of an incredibly successful year at Tulsa Ballet Center for Dance Education. We branched out in the competition arena attending the Youth America Grand Prix in New York and definitely put TBCDE on the map with a top 12 finish! Our Pre-Professional Ensemble had a fabulous year which resulted in two members being promoted into our main Company. And our summer workshop, Pointe to the Future, is shaping up to be a record breaking year. We have much to celebrate: our accomplishments, our wonderful faculty, and especially our talented students.

Students in our school are truly exceptional; they have a level of dedication and ability that allows them to thrive in the studio. Their desire to learn coupled with our extraordinary artistic faculty from all over the world is a definite road to success. I know their hours of hard work will be evident on the stage.

The purpose of our performances is quite simple: to showcase the training and technique of our students. Tulsa Ballet Center for Dance Education is a training facility for students who love the art of dance, from beginning ballet students to those pursuing professional careers. We want to ensure all levels of dancers receive the same quality instruction whether they attend one day per week or six days per week.

I hope you will join us as we showcase our dancers and I thank you for your continued support of Tulsa Ballet. I am extremely proud of our students, as I know you will be!

~Stacey Jenkins
Director of Education and Outreach

Pre-Professional Division Performances
Tulsa Ballet ~ Studio K
Friday, May 20th 7pm
Saturday, May 21st 7pm
Sunday, May 22nd 2pm

Tickets are available at the Tulsa Ballet reception desk Monday through Friday from 4-8pm; tickets are $10 and seating is general admission.

Marcello Angelini honors retiring principal dancer Ashley Blade-Martin

Ashley Blade-Martin in Sleeping Beauty. Photo by Sharen Bradford.

Ashley Blade-Martin and Alfonso Martin in Nacho Duato's Por Vos Muero. Photo by Sharen Bradford.




When I came to Tulsa 16 years ago, the thought of
a dancer spending most of his or her career and
retiring with my company was not something I ever
would have imagined happening. But at the end of
this season, this will become a reality when we see
one of Tulsa Ballet’s most dedicated dancers take
her last bow.

After 12 seasons with our company, Ashley Blade-
Martín, or just “Blade” as I like to call her, has decided
to hang up her pointe shoes. While it is heartbreaking
for all of us to think that we will no longer experience
Ashley’s beautiful artistry, it is important that we take
time during her last performances to celebrate her
career and many contributions to the company.
We are all going to miss Ashley. She is part of Tulsa
Ballet’s backbone, one of those handful of dancers
who made the company into what it is today. With
her husband Alfonso Martín, she has survived
many iterations of the company and inspired many
generations of dancers, patrons and audience
members. Her respect for the art form, commitment
to the company, willingness to set the standards for
the rest of the company not only on stage but every
minute of every day, in the studio or in the theater,
is the “stuff” that makes a dancer lead a company
of artists from all over the world into a cohesive,
polished and attractive troupe. The differences
people like Ashley make distinguish the ordinary
from the extraordinary.

Ashley will pursue a career in nursing, a calling she
identified early in her life. We all wish her a brilliant
career in the medical field and an equal amount
of success and personal accomplishment as she
achieved in dance. Ashley, you will be missed!

Marcello Angelini,
Artistic Director