Since 1998, The Columbus Ballet has served thousands of young ballet dancers across the Chattahoochee Valley. Their emphasis on technique and performance has produced an organization whose impact on its dancers is extending far beyond the stage.
Though every dancer has the opportunity to audition for productions, The Columbus Ballet intentionally emphasizes a well-rounded training program and partners with Columbus State University’s Department of Continuing Education to form the CSU Youth Dance Conservatory, the official school of The Columbus Ballet. Instruction at the YDC and performances with The Ballet equip dancers with many different experiences and skills for life. Productions are full-scale, but the organization’s dedication to developing its students is shown in the many ways they continue to find success both on and off the stage. Many of the Ballet’s older and more advanced students have gone on to study at highly competitive summer intensives, with some choosing to pursue majoring in dance for their undergraduate studies. Families in The Columbus Ballet also report an increased engagement in the arts overall for students of all ages.
Ballerinas of The Columbus Ballet as photographed Roger Spencer-Jones
“Our daughter Anna has danced ballet for nearly 12 years, working to perfect her technique and developing discipline and confidence, while also gaining a lifelong passion for the arts,” said Lindsay Shockley, a Ballet parent who serves on the Board. “The Columbus Ballet has given Anna the opportunity to share that passion and talent with others, whether by performing in front of thousands as part of ‘The Nutcracker’ or by furthering her dance education through summer intensives with renowned companies.”
Bridget Adams, one of the YDC’s instructors and Theatrical Director for this year’s production of ‘The Nutcracker’, believes strongly in the many benefits ballet offers her students. “Classical ballet training offers children so many beautiful gifts – beyond just the ability to dance. This type of training produces a strength of mind and body in students that is intense and refined. The self-discipline and focus required are rare, which helps kids well beyond their time in the studio. In addition, our quiet, calm classroom setting is a welcome break from the noise and speed of their daily lives.”
“The Columbus Ballet is committed to nurturing each dancer and giving them an environment where they can thrive,” added Shockley. “The Ballet has shaped our daughter into a stronger dancer and — more importantly — a stronger, independent, and more resilient person.”
Studies show students enrolled in fine arts programs perform better academically overall. A study by the National Endowment for the Arts found that students who had consistent arts involvement had higher standardized test scores and were more likely to graduate from high school compared to peers with little or no arts education. According to The College Board, students who participated in fine arts classes scored an average of 91 points higher on the SAT compared to those who didn’t take any arts courses. Specifically, those with four years of arts and music scored 58 points higher on the verbal portion and 38 points higher in math. What’s more? Engagement in the arts has been linked to better self-regulation, social skills, and empathy. For example, a study from Northwestern University found that children who engaged in music showed improved emotional recognition and empathy towards others.
Anna Shockley as photographed Roger Spencer-Jones
Dr. Andrée Martin, a Columbus Ballet parent and a professor of music at Columbus State University’s Schwob School of Music, echoed these things and more when discussing the impact the Ballet has had on her daughter’s overall development throughout the years. “The Columbus Ballet’s dancers learn the value of hard work, how to take care of themselves physically and to prioritize their health,” said Martin. “They also learn how to be part of a team and support one another on stage and backstage, how to become someone people rely on, how to follow through with a commitment, and how to be resilient.”
In addition to developing these essential skills in their students as individuals, The Columbus Ballet also prioritizes exposing their dancers to the collaborative nature of the arts overall. This is achieved through intentional programming that prioritizes working with a wide variety of other arts organizations throughout the year. For example, The Ballet takes performances of every production into local schools and works with partner organizations like the Columbus Botanical Gardens and the Columbus Public Library to provide additional mini-performances for young children for free.
Ballerinas of The Columbus Ballet as photographed Roger Spencer-Jones
“Aside from the personal accomplishments the students attain, they get to collaborate with other artists and professionals in their community,” explained Adams. “From conductors and musicians, to educators and other organizations, costume and set designers, to theater and stage managers, the children see that their hard work in the ballet studio can transform into extraordinary performances that bring great joy to their community.”
The multifaceted nature of ballet provides dancers with lessons and skills that extend beyond the stage. Certainly, The Columbus Ballet is most widely known for its annual production of ‘The Nutcracker’, but the Ballet’s impact on its students and the community at large extends far beyond the stage. These awe-inspiring performances are only possible because of years of training with highly-qualified instructors, support from parents and donors, and a company of extremely dedicated ballet students working tirelessly behind the scenes to foster the community’s love of the arts on a deeper level. ◾
This year’s production of ‘The Nutcracker’ will be performed December 7 and 8 at RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. Eager to kick off your Christmas season with an evening at the Ballet in support of these talented young dancers? Click here to get tickets.
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