Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s work holds special place in dancers’ esteem
The Ballet Theatre of Carmel Academy (BTCA) will soon present Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake. This is the company’s third performance of the highly regarded ballet.
“The production shows the ambition of this group,” BTCA Co-artistic Director Jane Hachiya-Weiner said. “Swan Lake is a challenging work, and our dancers were eager to take it on.”
BTCA again has sponsors partnering for this production. All activities are underwritten in part by the Indiana Arts Commission and National Endowment for the Arts. Executive Financial Planning Group – Raymond James supported BTCA as the top-level sponsor for The Nutcracker, and they return as a top sponsor for Swan Lake.
“We’re thrilled to have them return as a significant partner,” Hachiya-Weiner said. “They’re part of the team along with other sponsors and parent volunteers. They all make it happen.”
Molly and the Magic Suitcase – Kids Travel Books is the other notable sponsor at present. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available with more information available at ballettheatreofcarmel.org/sponsorship. For advertising information, visit ballettheatreofcarmel.org/program-ads.
The cast is made up of 70 dancers ranging in age from 5 to 21. They include dancers from BTCA’s Elementary, Intermediate, Advanced, and Pre-Professional levels. Also included in this number are 24 children ages 5 to 8 who are part of the “Be A Fairy” Program. Dancers hail from Carmel, Zionsville, Westfield, Indianapolis, Fishers, Brownsburg and Crawfordsville.
The cast features six high school seniors from area schools including Westfield, Carmel, Heritage Christian, and Brebeuf Jesuit.
“This group lobbied hard for Swan Lake,” Hachiya-Weiner said. “We’ll all get to see the reflection of their commitment to it in their performance.”
Other cast members are new to both Academy and dance performance, including several up-and-coming younger dancers.
“No question, we have some talented younger soloists featured throughout,” Hachiya-Weiner said, “and this ballet provides opportunities for many to shine.”
Some the youngest dancers are part of BTCA’s Be a Fairy program.
“It’s a special thing we do for every production,” Hachiya-Weiner said. “The program is for ages five to eight and it is both a light introduction to the dancing world for newcomers, and an introduction to performance for our young students.”
Swan Lake performances will take place at 2 and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 28 at the STAR Bank Performing Arts Center, 1000 Mulberry St., Zionsville. Tickets are on sale now at ballettheatreofcarmel.org/swan-lake. Prices are $20 for children and seniors, and $25 for adults.
Additional details, including BTCA enrollment information, are available at ballettheatreofcarmel.org.
All BTCA activities are made possible in part by the Indiana Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.
About BTCA
Ballet Theatre of Carmel Academy (BTCA) is dedicated to developing dancers to their fullest potential as both artists and community members. We believe that through encouragement, discipline, and dedication, our professional instructors can nurture dancers to a higher degree of achievement, confidence, and self-esteem. Our academy environment is one of inclusivity and mutual support, and the studio is a place for young dancers to learn, connect, and inspire one another.
BTCA was established as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 2018 after operating under the name Ballet Theatre of Carmel at Performer’s Edge since 2009. The studios are located at 1329 W. 96th St., Indianapolis. For more information about programs, registration, events, or to donate, visit ballettheatreofcarmel.org.