BY BRANDY TEMPLETON

Centre Ballet held its sixth annual Collaborative Arts Concert Saturday night at Cornerstone Christian Academy.

Along with ballet dancers, the were performances by three vocalists, South Iredell High School’s Honors Strings, Mitchell Community College visual arts students, and a poetry-musician team.

Centre Ballet owner Noel Ware, along with Christina Klinger, choreographed the production. The program included performances of “Les Patineurs” by Frederick Ashton, “Rockin’ Robin,” “Starry Starry Night,” “Fades Away,” and Elvis’ “Devil in Disguise.”

Two Melody Beaty Studio vocalists, Sofie Sadowski and Catherine Severson, sang well-known musical show pieces, while student Paxton Dishman sang two Elvis Presley hymns.

Leslie Overcash directed SIHS Honors Strings through Cold Play’s “Clocks” and selections from the movie “Frozen.”

Concluding the program were musical – poetry team of visual artist and guitarist Rogelio Calvo with Alana Dagenhart reading the poem “To Dance” by Alan Dagenhart.

Ware’s students choreograhed their own dance for the poetry finale.

Ware was pleased with all of the performances.

“I have a love for all arts,” she said. “So I’ve reached out to the community to bring their arts into our program.”

Ware, who began dancing at age nine, said she felt a need to bring traditional ballet instruction to Statesville.

“When I came to Statesville, I felt a pocket of need for traditional ballet training,” Ware shared. “It’s something common in big cities but not around here.”

She says ballet is beneficial for students in many ways.

“It teaches discipline, body awareness, social skills, and confidence,” Ware said. “The journey they take prepares them for life — not just dance. I guide them in areas where they can advance and take them through that journey whatever it may be.”

Along with ballet, Ware and instructor Klinger also teach contemporary, modern, and jazz for ages two through adult.

“It’s part of the developmental process— it helps to develop the littles’ milestones,” she shared. “Dance is helpful for adults too.”

Above all, Ware says she’s committed to giving all of her students the best of what she has to give, including connecting them with others to help them excel.

“I want every student to get what they can out of the place where they’re training,” she said. “I’ll give them all that I can give them.”

Ware offers summer programs to students and non-students. She welcomes anyone who wants to give dance.

“It doesn’t matter who you are, you’re welcome at the studio,” she said.

LEARN MORE

For more information, visit Centre Ballet at www.centreballetnc.com.

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