On June 8 at 1 p.m at Holyoke High School, Academy students and members of MABETA (Massachusetts Academy of Ballet Training Association) share their talents at the "Spring Ballet," a benefit performance marking the culmination of the past year's ballet training.
Just like Stravinsky’s "Rite of Spring" and Copeland’s "Appalachian Spring," the Massachusetts Academy of Ballet's "Spring Ballet" celebrates the advent of the season through movement and music.
On June 8 at 1 p.m at Holyoke High School, academy students and members of MABETA (Massachusetts Academy of Ballet Training Association) share their talents at the "Spring Ballet," a benefit performance marking the culmination of the past year's ballet training.
The wide-ranging repertoire includes creative dances by young students (choreographed by Catherine Johnson), "Etudes" by older students, as well as a classical ballet pas de deux, jazz choreography and staging by Debra Vega, and a story ballet, "La Valeur de la Leçon," by MABETA members with choreography by Artistic Director Charles Flachs.
"Spring Ballet" takes place at Holyoke High School (500 Beech Street, Holyoke) with general admission tickets for adults at $12 and children 8 and under $3. A reception and raffle follow the performances. Proceeds from ticket sales and the raffle will benefit MABETA.
MABETA (Massachusetts Academy of Ballet Educational Training Association) is a Holyoke-based non-profit organization. Its mission is to educate the surrounding communities about the art of classical ballet through performance and lecture demonstrations, and to also contribute to the revitalization of Holyoke by partnering with local cultural organizations like the Holyoke Children’s Museum, Wistariahurst Museum, and PassportHolyoke. Students who attend MAB at least four times a week and who have the desire to become professional dancers are invited to become members of MABETA.
MABETA teaches the importance of community engagement, the significance of inspiring young audiences to strive for excellence, and the excitement of sharing a love of dance with others. Since its inception in 2008, MABETA dancers have performed at Westfield Arts on the Green, the Loomis Communities, Matre Dolorosa School, First Night Junior, Wistariahurst Museum (Nutcracker & Sweets), and on behalf of Kate’s Soup Kitchen (Dance to Stop Hunger).
Most recently, MABETA dancers finished a tour with children's book author David Rottenberg, performing "Gwendolyn the Pig," at the Northampton, Amherst, Chicopee and Ludlow public libraries. MABETA also maintains a scholarship fund for local students who might otherwise not have the opportunity to study ballet.
For more information about the "Spring Ballet," please visit: www.massacademyofballet.com
The Massachusetts Academy of Ballet opened its doors in the fall of 2005 under the artistic direction of Rose and Charles Flachs. The Academy emphasizes classical ballet technique, musicality, artistry and creativity. The Flachs are Professors of Dance at Mount Holyoke College, as well as guest teachers with the Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet. They have danced professionally with the Nashville Ballet, Ballet West, and the Cincinnati Ballet. Students from the Academy have danced professionally with the Grand Rapids Ballet, Colorado Ballet, Maryland Ballet Theater, Connecticut Ballet and First State Ballet. Several have also competed at the annual Youth Grand Prix (YAGP), the most prestigious international student ballet scholarship competition for ages 9-19.