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Dancing from a distance

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Saint Louis Ballet will stream its “This Is Who We Are” production, set to the music of J. S. Bach, Oct. 24 – 27 from their ballet studio.

Saint Louis Ballet to hold virtual performances as the company looks to bring dance to audiences in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic

BY CHARLOTTE BEARD

The sports and entertainment industry has had some significant interruptions this year due to COVID-19, but they are finding various ways to overcome the obstacles. Saint Louis Ballet is not immune to these obstacles, and they will be returning this fall and holiday season with two productions.

Saint Louis Ballet will stream its “This Is Who We Are” production, set to the music of J. S. Bach, Oct. 24 – 27 from their ballet studio. One complimentary ticket per household can be obtained on their website for the Oct. 24 - 7:30 p.m. streaming (https://www.stlouisballet.org). A link for the performance will be provided by the ballet and will be active four days. Patrons are also able to donate a gift of $10 to the Saint Louis Ballet during their online checkout.

“Our staff are continuously employed and (primarily) working remotely since the stay-at-home order (issued) in March,” stated Executive and Artistic Director Gen Horiu chi. “All of our professional dancers are on a summer break since May, but they will return to work for rehearsals and performances in September.”

Though the dancers will not perform before a live audience, Horiuchi is optimistic about the performances.

“Just like any other professional sports such as baseball and football this season,” stated Horiuchi, “we have not had a chance to perform without (a) live audience in the past, so it will be interesting to see how they will do. But the professional dancers’ daily practice has no audience. I believe they will be (simply) fine.”

For as safety measures for the performances, Horiuchi stated that the production plans to have no more than three or four dancers in a studio at one time during class and rehearsals.

Horiuchi stated that pre-COVID-19, Saint Louis Ballet normally performs two to three performances for Valentine’s Day weekend, a spring series of four performances in April (Swan Lake was cancelled), a summer series of two performances at the Grandel Theater in May, and three to four October performances prior to December. Though the administrative staff have been able to continue work remotely, Saint Louis Ballet began a Dancers First – Critical Relief Fund to help with the impact to their performing artists (visit the website).

“Saint Louis Ballet is one of the few local performing arts organizations that employs a resident company of artists,” states leadership for the organization. “Our dancers have built their careers here in St. Louis, and they contribute greatly to the culture of our city - performing, teaching, mentoring and sharing their talents with young people at studios, schools and community centers throughout St. Louis. Our dancers are the heart and soul of Saint Louis Bal let - and they keep dance vibrant and alive in our region.”

Saint Louis Ballet will keep their annual tradition of performing the Nutcracker. Streaming will take place on Saturdays – Dec. 12 and Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. and Sundays – Dec. 13 and Dec. 20 at 2 p.m. from Touhill Performing Arts Center. This season’s performances will also include behind-the-scenes interviews. In addition, people who choose a VIP package will have the option of receiving the delivery of holiday treats from Butler’s Pantry as well as the opportunity to participate in an online auction and holiday boutique. Visit the ballet’s website for details on the coming availability of tickets and other opportunities.

“On the horizon in 2021 are ballets by renowned choreographers such as George Balanchine, Twyla Tharp, Peter Martins, and Justin Peck – the Tony Award-winning dancer and choreographer who is choreographing the new ‘West Side Story’ film alongside Steven Spielberg,” stated Horiuchi. “Due to the uncertainties of COVID-19 and the challenges the pandemic imposes, we will wait to announce formats and details of the 2021 ballets.”