Staying On Their Toes: The Story Behind the Storybook Ballet
One is an ethereal art form dating back to the 16th century. Another is a German folktale originally penned by the Brothers Grimm in the early 1800’s. The two will become one through the Arkansas Festival Ballet’s magical production of the age old classic, Snow White. Audience members will be transfixed by this imaginative journey where love overcomes the darkest of evils and the sublime overthrows the sinister.
Of course most people are familiar with the basic story of Snow White and its cast of characters. Every rendition for stage and screen over the decades has placed its own unique spin on the tale though. So what will Arkansas Festival Ballet’s version offer?
Originality is at the heart of the performance. Arkansas Festival Ballet’s Executive Director Janet Aronson says, “Our Artistic Director Rebecca Stalcup takes an idea and weaves vignettes with original choreography through the magic of an intimate theatre setting. And, after each performance, the lead dancers come out and visit with the audience.”
Creativity is at every graceful turn with lush costuming and set design. Ballet Mistress Melinda Tobian says, “We have talented seamstresses, even parents and a former student who help. This is how they share their passion related to the dance in another way. We retool existing costumes, donated and thrift store items -- taking them apart and creating something new.” The bountiful costume collection at the dance studio goes from floor to (very high) ceiling and covers every nook and cranny with design inspiration. The collection of tutus alone is mind boggling.
Left, Ballet Mistress Melinda Tobian checking the costume fit of dancer Marilyn Ronnel, 12. Right, Dancer Sarah Tarawally, 7, with Director Rebecca Stalcup.
So, mirror mirror on the wall…who brings the storybook to life? The Arkansas Academy of Dance works in partnership with the Festival Ballet to promote classical ballet through exceptional training and performances. Academy students help fill the stage in annual productions. Their mission is to educate boys and girls ages 3 and up in the art of classical ballet with experience in modern dance. Executive Director Janet Aronson shares, “I love being involved with something that sets the stage for young kids to thrive. Rebecca gives them the tools to do this. Really good training shows wherever they go in life.”
Director of Arkansas Academy of Dance since 2000, Rebecca Stalcup states, “Our job is to train them and get them ready for what comes next in life. Being able to jump into new settings, kids have to be smart and academically on top of things. So much goes into being part of ballet. It’s very much a team effort. I also love the kids and dreaming up the ballet, plotting the choreography. It’s so stinking fun!”
Melinda Tobian says, “My favorite thing is watching the kids grow, mature, and overcome obstacles. There’s camaraderie and a sense of family.”
Coming from a rich dance background, Stalcup has produced original works, including “A New Influence” for which she won the Arkansas Arts Council Artist Fellowship Award. She has staged classic storybook ballets Sleeping Beauty and Coppelia and has created original choreography for Peter and the Wolf, Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, Aladdin and The Adventures of Pinocchio. She is also an adjunct professor of ballet at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. “The storybook ballets allow very young dancers to get experience on stage in a professional way,” affirms Stalcup.
Also with a wealth of experience, Tobian is known for her technique-focused instruction and emphasis on the discipline of ballet. She has produced many original works, including Synergy, recognized throughout the southwest region, and Scherzo.
Stalcup and Tobian emphasize professional training for their student dancers while developing enriching and experience-building opportunities. Their students go on to professional schools of ballet and dance degree programs at Butler University, New York University-Tisch School of the Arts, Southern Methodist University, University of Oklahoma and others. Academy dancer and former May 2012 Little Rock Family cover subject, Caroline Young, will soon be heading to the North Carolina School of the Arts to continue her training.
Kids (and adults) of any age would have a blast digging through this treasure trove of costuming creativity at the Arkansas Academy of Dance.
According to Arkansas Festival Ballet, their youth dancers routinely gain acceptance into prestigious summer training programs at major companies, such as American Ballet Theatre, Houston Ballet and Boston Ballet. It is a performing member of Regional Dance America/Southwest. Membership is based on a rigorous audition process with emphasis on dance technique and artistry. Valuable performance and educational opportunities at multi-state regional and national levels are provided.
Stalcup says, “Scouts from all over are at RDA educational weekend. Our dancers can see what the world has to offer—the world of classical dance. They’re exposed to top teachers from all over.”
Aronson, Stalcup and Tobian all convey whether their students go on to a career in dance or not they are equipped for greatness in their own way. Aronson says, “We encourage people to support and be patrons of the arts for life.”
“So much goes into being part of the ballet – participation, etiquette. It makes them better kids,” Stalcup states.
Check out Arkansas Festival Ballet’s production of Snow White. Maybe the performance will awaken your true love of classical ballet just as Snow White is awakened by true love’s kiss!
Dancer Marilyn Ronnel, 12
Arkansas Festival Ballet’s presentation of Snow White
Production sponsored by St. Vincent Health System
At Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre
501 East 9th Street
Little Rock, AR
Friday, May 16, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 17, 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 18, 2:00 p.m.
Purchase tickets online at ArkansasDance.org
For more information contact Arkansas Festival Ballet 501-227-5320