How Ballet Programs Can Strengthen Local Partnerships Through Innovative, Music-driven Events
This topic might seem like it’s something out of an 80’s movie – dance and music bringing a community together. However, a Hollywood executive didn’t dream this up. It’s something real, and it can produce results.
There are several ways that this can be done. One of them includes unforgettable silent disco events, with people enjoying music without noise pollution. Here are some of those ideas:
Collaborative Performances
It shouldn’t be too hard to find ways for certain groups to pair up to be able to make these ballet productions come to life. For example, a ballet school could partner with a local music school, an orchestra, or a band. That way, they can have live events where people get to hear good music and see people gracefully leap around.
What are some of those collaborative events? So glad you asked. Here are some off the top of our heads:
Ballet in the Park - If Shakespeare can be done in this setting, why not ballet? Imagine walking around Central Park in New York City on a beautiful Spring or Summer day and seeing people performing ballet. That would make you stop and watch, right? There could even be specific open-air performances in an amphitheater.
“Jazz and Jumps” - Are there students at a local music school who like to play jazz? How about a pro jazz band? Couple that with ballet, and you can have some riveting performances to watch. It could be done in the school auditorium or another locale that is open enough for the dancers to literally stretch their legs.
An Orchestral Outreach - Ballet can also pair well with orchestral music. Places like Lincoln Center or The Hatch Shell in Boston could have performances that would bring people together. Even small towns could have something like this, not just major cities. There could even be cocktails and hors d’oeuvres before the show.
Outreach Programs
Here is where the ballet programs reach out to the people rather than have them come to see them. They can have things for people of all ages, from the smallest toddler to the oldest adult. These things can be great fun for all:
“Rhythm and Movement” - The ballet dancers can come to a local school and attend their music classes. They could bring musicians there or have the students provide the backing music. This way, they can show how their dance can adapt to whatever tempo and rhythm there is while also demonstrating how ballet is more than just dance - it can tell stories. This is a great way to make the community feel involved.
“Meet the Instruments” - The ballet studio could invite local musicians, or they could go to a music store. They could show the general public how the two can work well together. People could even learn how to do certain ballet moves, which would be a really tactile experience for all.
Venue and Business Partnerships
The ballet and music schools can only do so much. They can create some community, but other businesses really need to pitch in to make this whole thing work. Here are some ways that they can do just that:
Local Businesses Can Host “Pop-Up” Ballet Events - Yes, your local art galleries, museums, or retail stores can do that. Libraries might frown on doing that, since they are supposed to be quiet places, but there are a lot of options. Best of all, those locations can benefit from the additional foot traffic, since people might wind up buying a painting or other items. That’s a win-win.
“Sip and See” - A local restaurant, brewery, or winery could have small events that can have an intimate feel. This can form strong bonds with the ballet dancers and the community.
You might think that all these are great ideas, but you might still wonder what the overall benefits of doing this are. Here’s how it can help your community:
Diversity - People from all walks of life can be exposed to ballet. This can increase the overall reach.
Shared Resources - Businesses can work with people that they might not have considered in the past.
Enhanced Community Image - The community will gain a new sense of cultural appreciation, and give something else to watch.
New Funding Opportunities - Money can play a big part in the overall health of a community. These new fundraising options can open new avenues.
This would be an ongoing effort, year in and year out. When the weather is warmer, many of the events could be held outdoors, while others could be held indoors when the temperature plummets. Either way, people can enjoy the camaraderie, music, and dance.
There’s not going to be one big closing dance number here - this isn’t a Hollywood production, after all. As time goes by, and the programs gain a foothold in the community, it will be something that people look forward to each year. Now it’s time for ballet outfit sales to start rising.