Ballet, as an art and artistic expression, has been around for over 400 years. Just over a decade ago, a group of ballet patrons and former ballerinas decided to establish the Arkansas Festival Ballet (AFB) to enhance the art of classical ballet throughout Arkansas.
“Arkansas Festival Ballet (AFB) was founded to continue the legacy of the late Lorraine Cranford’s commitment to classical ballet training and performance,” said AFB board member Kim Meyer-Webb. “Since then, I’ve done a little bit of everything to keep the organization moving forward, always congruent with our mission. From teaching classes, running rehearsals, providing marketing support and publicity to stepping into a few cameo roles, there is no task too crazy for an all-grown up ‘bun-head’ like me.”
Meyer-Webb grew up taking dance lessons from Cranford behind the curtains of Robinson Auditorium. “While the other kids attended pep rallies and school socials, we bun-heads (that’s what we dedicated ballerinas ‘in the making’ called ourselves) practiced pirouettes, piques and the pursuit of perfection,” she said.
The training she received as a ballerina has shaped and motivated Meyer-Webb in every area of her life, from her job as the director of marketing for Universal Asset Management to her involvement with local nonprofits. “There is a discipline and commitment to excellence, coupled with the etiquette and grace in ballet,” she said. “With these tools, I keep stretching, physically, mentally and emotionally, to exceed expectations. After all, ‘life’s a stage,’ and as dancer and choreographer Mikhail Baryshnikov said, ‘I do not try to dance better than anyone else. I only try to dance better than myself.’”
Central Arkansas has a vibrant artistic community, including artists, actors, musicians and dancers. AFB accumulates all of these expressions in a beautiful organization that is committed to promoting, presenting and enhancing the art of classical ballet in Arkansas. Each year AFB, along with students from their Arkansas Academy of Dance, presents a storybook ballet, and this year they are proud to present a tale from “The Arabian Nights,” “Aladdin.”
“It is easy to love the character of Aladdin,” admitted Meyer-Webb. “He is a handsome, adventurous and likable character who falls into good luck and gets the girl in the end.”
Meyer-Webb was careful to point out that AFB’s storybook ballets present all new choreography and are specifically staged for an Arkansas audience. “AFB has the advantage of utilizing Arkansas’ natural resources, including local dancers, choreographers and other artists in all aspects of the production,” she explained. “Everything from the talented dancers to costume design and even stage lighting involves local talent.”
The 2012 storybook ballet, which will be performed Friday, May 18, through Sunday, May 20, will have something for everyone. “The musical score combines an array of Indian, Arabic and Oriental sounds. The magical explosion of energetic characters, colorful costumes and innovative movement brings the story to life,” said Meyer-Webb. “Our characters add humor and delight throughout the story. From a ‘Barrel of Monkeys’ to one of my favorites, an exotic peacock, the audience will find easy passage into the story through our adventurous tale.”
Meyer-Webb remarked that artistic movement or expression brings people together. It is her hope that AFB’s “Aladdin” will do the same. “The uniqueness of dance is its artistic expression through the use of movement. There is no other instrument necessary, just virtuosity of the body and soul,” she said, “and artistic movement—painting, music and poetry in motion—brings people together in beautiful and remarkable ways.”
“Aladdin:” A Storybook Ballet
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 18; 2 & 7:30 p.m., Saturday, May 19; 2 p.m., Sunday, May 20
Where: Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre
Tickets: $20 per adult, $15 per child
Info: 227-5320, ArkansasDance.org