High Point Ballet to Establish New Dance Center Classes in High Point

"HIGH POINT, NC— If you’ve been looking for a serious dance training program in High Point for the 2016-2017 season, 30-year stalwart High Point Ballet is pleased to provide you with some new options. Immediately after Labor Day, HPB Dance Center will begin to offer classes in ballet, jazz, tap, and hip-hop for students aged 3 to Adult at the Centennial Station Arts Center, 121 South Centennial St., High Point. Registration is now open and the next step in your training awaits!

The Dance Center is directly connected to High Point Ballet, a performing arts organization that has been determined to bring professional dance to the area, despite the economic difficulties in the last ten years. This association with a professional company makes the Dance Center an excellent option for those with a more serious eye to developing the technique, form, and grace it takes to dance professionally.

Though many might think strict adherence to one style makes the best ballerina or hip-hop dancer, founders and directors Rita and Gary Taylor, emphasize diversity in their training. “Our wonderful faculty and staff offer students the full range of their expertise. This translates into a unique and rewarding classroom experience,” comments CEO and Executive Director, Rita Taylor. “We are very excited about this new programming opportunity.”

HPB Dance Center’s new program is especially for the focused dancer wishing to incorporate the disciplines of ballet, jazz, tap and hip-hop into his or her dance training. The program offers an innovative and exciting curriculum of dance study. Beginning with the PK Dance program, for ages 3-6, the program introduces pre-ballet, creative movement, tap, and acrobatics, in once-weekly sessions that culminate in a special performance. Elementary, Middle, and High School students can look forward to a wide variety of study in various disciplines, with the option of once- or twice-weekly classes, depending on individual interest.

Registration is now open and forms are available online. Those interested are invited to contact High Point Ballet for registration and class information at (336) 887-4HPB or through highpointballet.org."

- A Press Release

HIGH POINT BALLET BRINGS NUTCRACKER TO TWO TRIAD CITIES

"The Triad may hope in vain for a real white Christmas, but High Point Ballet’s production of Tchaikovsky’s classic Nutcracker promises all the beauty and joy without all the wet and cold. Thanks to the theatre magic of designers Howard Jones and Aaron Porter, the sets and lighting of this year’s Nutcracker are ready to enchant just as thoroughly as the dancing. As always, artistic director Gary Taylor has thoughtfully spruced up the choreography of this classic ballet to best tell the story through music and movement, while highlighting the skills of his individual dancers. Snow falls in a spellbinding cascade, candy comes alive to dance before your eyes, and fairies fly with the grace of angels in this visual feast, sure to delight young and old alike. 

This year, High Point Ballet brings its production to two Triad cities: a triumphant return to High Point at the High Point Theatre and a continued relationship with the Civic Center in Lexington. Performances run in Lexington on December 11 at 7:30PM and December 12 at 2:00PM at the Edward C Smith Civic Center, 217 S Main St., Lexington. Performances run in High Point on December 18 at 7:30PM and December 19 at 2:00PM at the High Point Theatre, 220 E Commerce Ave., High Point. Ticketing information may be found at www.highpointballet.org. Tickets prices are $30.00 for general admission, $27.00 for seniors & students.

Educators and parents of young children looking to introduce students to the classic ballet are encouraged to bring their classes to our special school-day performance, Thursday, December 10 at 9:15AM and 10:45AM in Lexington, or Friday, December 18 at 9:15AM in High Point. This synoptic abbreviation of the Nutcracker ballet is tailored for students and their teachers, featuring a readily available, Common Core Compliant study guide for all your education needs."

- A Press Release

HIGH POINT BALLET BRINGS A BIT OF IRELAND TO THE TRIAD IN CELTIC LEGENDS

"Myths and legends of the Isle of Green come to life in High Point Ballet’s latest original ballet, Celtic Legends. You can catch this spritely production for one night only at 7:30PM, Thursday, March 19 at the High Point Theatre, 220 E Commerce Ave., High Point. Purchase tickets in-person at the High Point Theatre Box Office, by calling (336) 887-3001, or by visiting http://www.highpointtheatre.com/events.asp. Tickets range from $22 for Adults to $16 for Students. The box office is open from Noon to 5:00PM, Monday through Friday and one hour prior to the performance.

Get in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit with High Point Ballet’s Celtic Legends, as leprechauns, fairies, and creatures of Irish fantasy dance, jig, and reel on stage before you. Our dancers celebrate the music and folklore of this captivating culture, from the earliest days of traditional Irish music and movement to the most celebrated contemporary Irish performances. High Point Ballet brings to the stage a spellbinding experience that is sure to captivate the Triad.

High Point Ballet, the vision of Founder and Executive Director, Rita Taylor, held its debut performance in 1987. Comprised of professional and pre-professional members, the Company is a funded affiliate of the High Point Area Arts Council and a Performing Member of Regional Dance America’s Southeastern Regional Ballet Association. High Point Ballet’s vision has been to create a diverse company encompassing a wide array of technical and theatrical elements of dance.

For further information visit www.highpointballet.org or call (336) 803-1880."

- A Press Release

An Evening of Romance in High Point

"Spend the most romantic evening of the year with the High Point Arts Council and High Point Ballet. Whether you are a fan of Frank Sinatra, the Era of Swing, the romance of the Tango, or the emotional 1940s, An Evening of Romance is sure to touch heartstrings.

The event consists of a 3-course dinner buffet, dancing, and performance by the High Point Ballet. Featuring the work of award-winning choreographer and artistic director, Gary Taylor, High Point Ballet’s performance is sure to delight. The show features “Love and Marriage” a piece which won acclaim when last performed at the Southeastern Regional Ballet Association Festival 2014 in Montgomery Alabama. Several other highly intricate and acclaimed pieces will complete the program including "Don’t Sit under the Apple Tree," and the ever popular swing dancing. Plus, what would a night of romance be without the Tango!

And what is an Evening of Romance without decadent food? Plain & Fancy is catering the event and the menu includes a salad, Chicken Wellington, Peppercorn Encrusted Roast, sauteed vegetable medley, potato gratinee, and of course lots of chocolate with Chocolate Dipped Strawberries, Red Velvet Trifle, and Chocolate Ganache Mousse.

An Evening of Romance is on Saturday, February 14, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the Centennial Station Arts Center, 121 S. Centennial Street, in downtown High Point. Cost is $40 per person plus a cash bar. Call the High Point Arts Council at 336-889-2787 ext. 21 by February 10 to make reservations. Tables may be reserved for two, four, six or eight."

- A Press Release

HIGH POINT BALLET’S NUTCRACKER BRINGS SNOW TO THE TRIAD

"The Triad may hope in vain for a real white Christmas, but High Point Ballet’s production of Tchaikovsky’s classic Nutcracker promises all the beauty of a white Christmas without all the wet and cold. Performances run December 12-13 at 7:30PM and December 14 at 2:00PM at the Edward C Smith Civic Center, 217 S Main Street, Lexington. Tickets for all performances may be purchased in advance through the High Point Theatre Box Office in person, by phone at (336) 887-3001, or online at www.highpointballet.org. Tickets prices are $27.00 for general admission, $22.00 for seniors & students.

Thanks to the theatre magic of designers Howard Jones and Aaron Porter, the sets and lighting of this year’s Nutcracker are just as enchanting as the dancing, itself spruced up for the new production. Snow falls in a spellbinding cascade, candy comes alive to dance before your eyes, and fairies fly with the grace of angels in this visual feast, sure to delight young and old alike. 

Educators looking to introduce students to the classic ballet are encouraged to bring their classes to our special school-day performance, 10:45AM, Wednesday December 11th. This synoptic abbreviation of the Nutcracker ballet is tailored for students and their teachers, featuring a readily available, Common Core Compliant study guide for all your education needs.

For further information or photos visit www.highpointballet.org, call (336) 889-2480, or email marketing associate Brittany Petruzzi at bpetruzzi@highpointballet.org."

- A Press Release

Awards presented at the annual Arts Awards Banquet by High Point Arts Council

"At the annual Arts Awards Banquet on July 22, the High Point Arts Council presented the Arts Award for Corporate Support of the Arts, Individual Support of the Arts, Arts Teacher of the Year, and recognized outgoing board members and officers. The banquet was held at the Centennial Station Arts Center and featured performances by the High Point Ballet. Debbie Lumpkins, Executive Director, kicked off the event with the invocation, A Prayer for Artists.

Each year, the Arts Council sponsors the Arts Awards for those whose contributions to the arts make its mission possible. The Awards Committee, chaired by Joe Gray, selected the award winners from nominations made from patrons of the arts. Joe Baker, High Point Community Theatre actor, presented the awards.

This year’s winner of the Arts Award for Corporate Support of the Arts went to High Point University for their extraordinary commitment to the arts. On and off campus, HPU has invested in the arts and culture of our city. On campus, the Hayworth Fine Arts Center is known for its theatre that hosts local, national and international arts performances. Off campus, the university has invested in a permanent arts center for the community at Centennial Station.

The Arts Award for Individual Support of the Arts went to Lucille Duncan for her passion for the arts and for sharing that passion with others. She is known as the Social Director and always recruits a group to go with her to arts events. Not only does she support the arts with her presence, but also with her presents. She also invested in the Centennial Station Arts Center by purchasing the naming rights of the Engineer's Office in memory of her late husband, Bob.

The recipient of the Arts Award for Teacher of the Arts, Sarah Johnson, was recognized for going above and beyond teaching music at Northwood Elementary. In addition to her regular music classes, she formed the Northwood Noteables, an auditioned choir for 4th and 5th graders. She also led the United Arts Fund Drive at her school this past year and had the highest percentage of participation by teachers in all of the High Point area schools.

The High Point Area Arts Council has sponsored the Mayor’s Arts Awards since 1984. The actual awards were designed by the late George Kosinski and finished by Harris House Furniture. The shape of the award is a treble clef modified to indicate the arts. The arrowhead at the top signifies looking out to the future.

In addition to the Arts Awards, the Arts Council's board of directors nominate one of their own as the Star Board Member of the Year. Mary Bogest was recognized for her commitment to the arts even while handling the stress of being a caregiver during her husband's illness. Her original painting of the Centennial Station Arts Center hangs in the lobby and signed and numbered prints are available for purchase.

The new Spike Award was presented by Jim Morgan, Immediate Past Chair, to Linda O'Briant and Carlos Olvera for serving two 3-year terms. The Spike Award recognizes that board members are the spikes that keep the tracks secure so that the Arts Council train can stay on track! Morgan also presented Sarah Bomberger, Janice Bowman, Travis Compton and Debbie Lumpkins with Shining Star awards for the Arts Council's staff stepping up and taking on additional responsibilities with the acquisition of the arts facility.

Incoming chair, Janette McNeill, presented Jim Morgan with a plaque recognizing him for his outstanding leadership during a time of transition for the Arts Council and heading up the capital campaign for the Centennial Station Arts Center. She also read an original poem that celebrated Jim's service to the arts. Also, an anonymous donor repaired the Trainmaster's Clock on the front of the building in gratitude for Jim's POSITIVITY and that plaque will hang on the front porch.