Press Room Main

Central West Ballet, Entering the Pro League

Cynthia Coughlin, Executive Director says Central West is approaching this new challenge very conservatively but acknowledges that the time has come to move into a new era. "Central West Ballet has reached a level of quality that demands such a move", Coughlin goes on to say, "the dancers are much older than ever before and they indeed deserve remuneration for their achievements". Coughlin says the addition of contracts to the existing ones are a goal, but is prudent about the process in which to bring this about. "We can only take small steps at a time in order to maintain the Company's financial stability. But we are doing everything we can to reach our goals".

Leslie Ann Larson, the Company's Ballet Mistress says the jump to professional status is just a natural step for a company like Central West Ballet. "We have proven that the Company can deliver on a very high competitive level and our performances at the Gallo Center have been received with the highest accolades. The audience is taking great pride in their own ballet company's achievements".

Daveluy says their are no pre-fabricated recipes for implementing a professional ballet company. "It takes hard work and dedication, the bottom line is you have to keep working long after hours and have a vision for at stable future". Daveluy also says he experienced up close and personal how founding directors of other long established companies achieved their goal. "I had long discussions on these issues with Ludmilla Chiriaeff who founded Les Grands Ballets Canadiens in Montreal, and with Celia Franca, founder of the National Ballet of Canada when I was dancing in Ottawa". But the most important influence for Daveluy's belief in such possibilities is John Hart CBE, of the famed Royal Ballet. Daveluy says he respects Hart's experience and has gotten tremendous support and advice from the legendary man. "Mr. Hart is one of the very few who has been in the business longer than most, and he has been most gracious and generous in mentoring me in that arena".

With the economy being the toughest element, Central West Ballet has got its act ready to tackle. "We are forging ahead", Daveluy says, "as long as there is a will for Central West Ballet to reach to the highest grounds, we'll keep building steps to that stairway".

By CWB OFFICE PRESS

"What makes the coming 2010-2011 Season for Central West Ballet special is that we are entering a new era in the Company's history", says Artistic Director René Daveluy, "we have implemented the first ever paid positions for a nucleus of our older dancers, and we hope to add more contracts for other members from here on, as we acquire more financial support in that area".

Can Central West Ballet go the distance? This is a question which has surfaced this past year in the news, such as the Modesto Bee Newspaper. Daveluy says he is well aware of all the ramifications such a bold move implies. "When it comes to entering the realm of professional dance, the answer is found with the ballet's Board of Directors. Trustees are the ones who ultimately give the authorization to go ahead". Daveluy explains that the issue was already on the table three years ago, and that it took a great deal of work to get the authorization. "Paid contracts are expensive for any ballet company but it becomes vital to any company when the dancers stay and grow beyond the age of 18. Dance is a short career and it starts early".

Leslie Ann Larson and Joseph Adkins Leading A Ballet for Marie in CWB's 2009 Benefit at the Endsley's

By CWB OFFICE PRESS

Central West Ballet opened its new office and studio to the general public on Thursday February 3rd to more than a hundred visitors. The event was very well received by an enthusiastic audience who went back and forth between the spacious office and studio. Visitors were greeted by CWB's Board Members and volunteer staff and were treated to wine and hors d'oeuvres while perusing walls filled with Art and Photography by various contemporary artists from Canada and the United States. "Our year of Art sale benefiting the dancers continues", said Executive Director Cynthia Coughlin, "we were encouraged by the sale of 10 more exquisite pieces".

"The initiative to financially support the dancers of Central West has been an on going effort to keep a balance in the Company's overall growth", adds Coughlin, "we want to do everything we can to give our dancers support".

The audience got an in depth look at the hard work behind the scenes as Central West dancers rehearsed various selections from the up coming Creations program at the Gallo Center for the Arts next February 25 and 26. "The audience stayed for the full two hours of rehearsal", says Artistic Director René Daveluy, "we were touched by their active support of the Company and our wonderful dancers". Visitors watched as Daveluy and Leslie Ann Larson coached the dancers on intricate moves, athletic leaps and partnering work. "It means a great deal to the dancers who love to perform for their audience", says Daveluy, "this up close and personal connection is what Central West Ballet is all about". Ballet Mistress Leslie Ann Larson says the move to open Central West Ballet's house to the public is vital to the performances at the Gallo Center for the Arts, "the audience gets to see the work in progress, which makes the finished product on stage even more pleasurable".

Central West Ballet's new office on February 3rd, an In the Studio event which displayed beautiful works of art.

Above, a captive audience watches as Central West dancers focus on the work at hand.