BalletMet Columbus teams with Cincinnati Ballet for season opener

By Carla McCrary

For YourNewsColumbus

Posted 10-19-09

BalletMet opened its season recently with an assist from the Cincinnati Ballet.

The two companies worked collaboratively to produce Swan Lake and began a three-day run of the masterpiece on Friday, Oct. 16, at the Ohio Theatre.

BalletMet had reduced the number of dancers on its payrolls because of the declining economy. The collaboration made more dancers available for the recent production.

Gerard Charles, artistic director of BalletMet, and Victoria Morgan, his Cincinnati counterpart, share the sentiment that Swan Lake is arguably the most classic of the classical ballets.

Its story about coming of age, deceit and undying love makes it easy to be captivated by the incredible swanlike gestures of the ballerinas.

Odette, queen of the swan maidens, performed by Carrie West, was especially elegant. A colorful setting and elaborate costumes designed by the BalletMet Columbus and Cincinnati Ballet costume shops enhanced the performance.

BalletMet has started the season off right and left the audience wanting more. Other favorites on the schedule include The Nutcracker and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.