Ballet Jeunesse to be in Concert March 9-10

Ballet Jeunesse will present its 18th annual concert on March 9 and 10 at Hawken Upper School in Gates Mills.  As always, the concert is under the artistic direction of Ballet Academy founder Elissa Colombi Okin, with technical direction from husband Gary Okin.  The curtain goes up at 7:30 p.m. both nights. 
This year's program opens with a company favorite, The Seasons, a classical ballet piece performed en pointe and set to music by Glazunov with original choreography by Elissa.  Each of the other works on the program is in its premiere performance.   The Dance, set to music from the soundtrack from "Cider House Rules," depicts a father and daughter's

relationship over the years, as experienced through her dancing.  Artur Bajanov will make his third guest appearance with Ballet Jeunesse.
Duets consists of a suite of duets set en pointe to music from the soundtrack from "Shake-speare in Love."  Movement and all new costumes are inspired by Elizabethan times.  Both The Dance and Duets are choreographed by Elissa.
Alumnae families will be interested to know that two of their old friends have made dances for Ballet Jeunesse this year.  Alumna Shannon Fischer Titas is presenting a modern piece in collaboration with Bob Priebe, who is composing an original score.  Shannon debuted her

engrossing work, WhoSit?, with a cast of eight in last year's Ballet Jeunesse concert.  Our guest choreographer this season is Nan Tupa Wiggins, who took autumn leaves as her inspiration for her piece.  Nan is known to alumni for teaching at the Academy and for the stunning, Japanese-inspired costumes she created for Song of the Shore.
The concert will also feature pieces that Elissa has designed for the Junior Company and the graduating Seniors.  In addition, Young Choreographers from the company will debut their original dances.  The concert finale, Silent Movie, is a comical depiction of

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Ballet Academy Goes Online at www.geocities.com/balletacademy

On January 8, The Ballet Academy went online!  The site design and development are being donated by John Sharp, who is Web Administrator at a major hospital and father of Emily (Ballet Jeunesse '00) and Laura (BJ '05).  By locating the site at geocities.com, we pay no monthly fee but have to accept small, flashing ads,

which can be minimized.
The concept of the site is primarily to provide information and enjoyment to Ballet Academy students, families, and alumnae, although other visitors are expected, as well.  Plans for the site include photo pages, an archives of previous concerts,  and updates for par

ent volunteers.  An Alumnae Page will be added if graduates express interest. 
What would you like to see on the site in general or on an Alumnae Page?  Alumnae news, e-mail addresses?  Let us know at [email protected]..  And meanwhile, check us out! ¦