Art as an example. Art as an expression. Art as an experience. Cincinnati Ballet has had a prominent place in our Cincinnati art community over the past five decades. As the ballet is preparing for its 50th anniversary, the organization continues to soar to new levels and be one of the country’s preeminent ballet companies. The great success could not have been expected at the first official auditions in 1963 at the local YMCA. Yet, the history is glittered with many exciting moves and monumental changes, including three groundbreaking collaborations with BalletMet Columbus. From this, Cincinnati Ballet continues to attract top dancers from around the United States and the world.
Its mission to inspire hope and joy in our community and beyond through the power and passion of dance is defining dance in Cincinnati in new and profound ways. Dance is not simply entertainment but an expression of humanity that all can feel, a collaboration igniting new possibilities, and a discipline focused on the embodiment of success and creativity. “As a long time board member, Cincinnati Ballet has provided so much joy to my life. I have been amazed, inspired, moved to tears and even laughed at many performances and I’m always moved in some way,” says Julie Shifman.
Through Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnatians are being moved – profoundly and joyfully. In order to showcase this, Cincinnati Ballet Celebrates 50 is the ballet’s first written history and published book. As CEO, Victoria Morgan says, “It’s an inspirational story about how literally hundreds of people, at different intervals in time with different skills and united passion for dance, intersected to strive for the dream of an inspiring and successful Cincinnati Ballet.” By digging through old photos, interviewing former dancers, and investigating their journey, a celebratory masterpiece is illuminating the ballet’s impact and importance for all of society.
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