
The Charleston Ballet, the official West Virginia State Ballet, was formed in 1956 by Andre Van Damme. Mr. Van Damme achieved great success in his native Belgium as the first star dancer with the Royal Opera. His vision was to provide state experience in a professional atmosphere for West Virginia dancers and to create a greater appreciation for the art of ballet.
The company has been a pioneer among regional ballet troupes in the United States. For five decades, the civic troupe has enriched the cultural life of West Virginia, performing hundreds of traditional and original ballets. Known for its artistic integrity and discipline, the ballet also has been one of the most socially responsible groups in the community.
The Charleston Ballet, Official West Virginia State Ballet, under the direction of Kim R. Pauley, will hold two separate audition classes for company membership and apprentice positions for the upcoming season. Open auditions for the Charleston Ballet Company will be held 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday May 8, 2013 for the next 2013-14 season of performances. The Apprentice audition will be held on Thursday, May 9, 2013 4:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for younger dancers (ages 11-15).
Male and female dancers of advanced ability with a classical ballet background are encouraged to audition for the company. Dancers must be at least 14 years old and women must be proficient in pointe work.
The Apprentice audition will be held from 4:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 9, 2013. For the apprentice positions, male and female dancers must be between 11 and 15 years old with a classical ballet background and possess at least an intermediate level of technique. Girls must be working on pointe. All interested dancers and their parents must comply with the company membership regulations.
The upcoming season (2013-14) will include an exciting classical and contemporary repertoire and the NUTCRACKER with the WV Symphony Orchestra. In October, we will unveil Behind Barres: Reality Ballet Uncensored!. In March 2014, a performance of the classical ballet La Bayadere will be presented with the Columbia Classical Ballet in South Carolina.
These auditions will be held at the Charleston Ballet studio location at 100 Capitol Street on the mezzanine. Call 304-342-6541 for additional information.
Buy Your Tickets OnlineThe Charleston Ballet is excited to announce that you can now buy tickets online.
|
Make a DonationYour gift helps ensure the continuing operation of The Charleston Ballet. To make a donation click here.
|
Join Us on FacebookThe Charleston Ballet now has an information page on the social networking site Facebook. |