CWB Dancers take pride and sense of ownership in their Company

Art Sale, an original way to support Central West Ballet

The 2011-2012 Season brings new energy within the ranks at Central West Ballet. An influx of dancers from other cities such as Sacramento and Salt Lake City, combined with new local incoming dancers brings a diversity to the already established group of Central West veterans. Early this year, the Company added accomplished talents to its roster and after auditions last May, a new group of dancers is joining the troupe during the months of July and August. Artistic Director René Daveluy says this year is of particular significance in the path Central West has taken. "We have reached a point where a greater number of support from outside dancers inspires and opens new horizons", Daveluy explains, "the reverse is also true, where our resident artists have a lot to bring to outside talents".

Central West Ballet has gone through great steps as of late in order to establish a support system for the Company's stability. The Company has opened up an option for trainees and is actively fundraising to keep a dancers fund growing. This has led to a direct involvement of the dancers, who have taken supporting roles in helping CWB's staff and Board of Directors to accomplish the many tasks needed to raise funds. "Our dancers believe in the Company", Daveluy goes on to say, "it is their passion, their future". Such unusual strength of character from the dancers as a team brings a healthy sense of ownership over their own environment. Daveluy says he is most impressed with their level of vision in understanding the bigger picture. "Their talents range from campaigning to marketing to event organization", he says, "they show a unique capacity in building a future for the Company". Central West will be presenting a series of additional events in the community starting this summer and on through the holidays. A full calendar will be posted on CWBNews showing the full spectrum of activities for the 2011-2012 Season.

A new Art Sale drive is taking place for Central West Ballet's 2010-2011 Season. Set for the September 18th Benefit in the gardens of Dr. and Mrs. Stephen Endsley, the brand new Art Sale will give everyone the opportunity to buy Art from Canada and the United States, including Local Artists such as Yvonne Porcella and Central West Ballet's very own dancers. We are blessed with artistic talents witin our Company", says Artistic Director René Daveluy, "and adding Art by our dancers into the auction will give the event a varied and eclectic richness. Daveluy says he is most excited about seeing Art from local artists being donated to help support Central West Ballet. "The Company has the opportunity to present Art in a variety of styles and this is sure to be a feast for the eyes. I have had the honor to meet Yvonne Porcella, a deeply artistic soul with boundless energy and enthusiasm for all forms of Art, Mrs. Porcella is donating a wonderful decorated pair of pointe shoes from Leslie Ann Larson's own stock". Daveluy says his close friend and mentor, Canadian Painter Christian Thibault, was the one who spurred the project into realization. "Christian believes in the vision for the Company and supports my efforts, he is donating pieces he owns and some of his work as well. Additionally, he has asked a few colleagues of his to contribute and we hope to get as much Art as we can for the 10-11 Season".

Central West Ballet is initiating this year long event to help raise crucial funds for the Company's added operations. This includes financial support for the dancers and expenses for a new sprung floor, mirrors and ballet barres. Central West Ballet keeps building itself toward the highest standards each year", says Executive Director Cynthia Coughlin, "this is a tradition that has been kept for 23 years and René has brought about a significant amount of essential changes for the Company". Coughlin says the last six years under René Daveluy and Leslie Ann Larson's guidance have been ground breaking and inspiring. "We are just scratching the surface of what can be accomplished", says Coughlin, "we hope to raise as much financial resources as we can this year to push the Company forward into a brand new era".

By CWB OFFICE PRESS

Central West Ballet News