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Rising From the Ashes - by Jennifer Eve
The mythical Phoenix is a tall, graceful bird that rose from the ashes to follow the light of the sun. Like the legend of the Phoenix, your Oklahoma City Ballet Company has risen from near extinction to become a strong cultural force in a city that is clearly on the move. “Oklahoma City continues to experience a remarkable renaissance,” said Artistic Director Robert Mills. “It began in the late 1990s with the MAPS projects: the new ballpark, the Ronald Norick Library, the transformation of Bricktown, the development along the Oklahoma River. Add to that the new Oklahoma City Thunder NBA basketball team, the construction of the Devon Tower, and Core-to-Shore continues the city’s vision. The renaissance is bringing young professionals to our city, and with them, a new vibrancy and excitement. We knew it was vital to underscore the cultural strength of Oklahoma City by keeping our city’s ballet company viable and strong.”
Things looked bleak two years ago. Allied Arts had red-flagged the organization, labeling it an “at-risk agency.” There was talk of merging the company with the Tulsa Ballet, and board members had to make some tough decisions. “Our board at the time worked creatively to keep the company afloat,” said Philip Clayton, past board President. “Rick Geren, Chip Oppenheim, Mark Ruffin, Michael Laird, Clyde Riggs, and Eric Groves moved quickly to sell buildings, and get us back in the black. David Box and Chesapeake Energy stepped up to assist us by offering space rent-free, allowing us some breathing room to start over. The board went through some natural transitioning of members, and we acquired the energy and expertise of new board president Dr. Diana Hampton, Kathy Kunc, Randy Foraker and Stephanie Singer. Together, we hired Robert Mills as the new Artistic Director, and excitedly caught the passion of his vision for what the new Oklahoma City Ballet could become.”
Mills’ vision is turning the Oklahoma City Ballet into one of the most dynamic companies in the country, at a time when numerous theatre and ballet companies have recently shut their doors. Ticket sales for the Oklahoma City Ballet last season increased 8-fold over the previous year. The timeless Nutcracker sold out last season, for the first time in eight years. “Our sights are set high and we are thrilled with our 2009-2010 season,” said Artistic Director Robert Mills. “With our new elaborate full-length ballets, the tradition and grandeur of The Nutcracker, guest dancers and choreographers as well as our incredibly talented Oklahoma City Ballet artists, we are poised and ready to take our place as one of the premiere developing ballet companies in the country. I cannot adequately express my gratitude to the community for embracing the new Oklahoma City Ballet.”
Like the Phoenix, your Oklahoma City Ballet has emerged from the ashes stronger than before, moving gracefully toward a bright future.
For ticket information:
(405) 848-TOES
