~posted by Dianne Donovan, KMFA mid-day announcer

There are many of us who love to dance to anything and everything. I myself, have created dances to the Law and Order Theme, the Charlie Rose Theme and Ravel’s Bolero. However, when it gets right down to it, I don’t know much about real dancing.

Enter Ballet Austin’s “Studio Spotlight.” It’s an opportunity for dance-lovers and dancers to watch the pros dance, and to see excerpts of Ballet Austin’s upcoming productions, while still in rehearsal, up-close and personal. Last night, I attended the Studio Spotlight for “Carmina Burana and Kai.” Interspersed with the dance segments, Ballet’s Austin’s Associate Director, Michelle Miller, gave us some background on the works in question. Near the end of the session, the audience had an opportunity to ask questions of Artistic Director, and Choreographer, Stephen Mills. Aside from being informative, it was also exciting to see the dancers warming up and perfecting their moves. It’s great for the audience and it’s a fabulous way for Ballet Austin to extend their beneficial impact into the community.

Ballet Austin-Studio Spotlight – for more information, visit their website: www.balletaustin.org/studiospotlight

(Duration: 1 hour; Location: Ballet Austin’s Butler Dance Education Center – 501 West 3rd St.  … Dates/Times: Usually the Wednesday about a week and a half before performance dates.)

~Dianne Donovan is KMFA’s midday announcer and host/producer of Classical Austin.