Maine State Ballet presents DANCER'S CHOICE Showcase & Fundraiser,

Maine State Ballet is celebrating its Company dancers with Dancer's Choice, a program selected by the dancers themselves, on June 22nd and 23rd at Maine State Ballet's Lopez Theater. The first half of the program includes a variety of traditional choreography pieces chosen and performed by each Company dancer, highlighting each dancer's unique, individualized style and artistry. The second half of the program is the World Premiere of Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto, a new ballet choreographed by Principal Dancer Glenn Davis.

For many years, Davis has wanted to stage a ballet, but his double duties as a Principal Dancer and School Director made it difficult to find the time. His new ballet, a true labor of love, has been ten years in the making. Each movement of the three-part ballet has been performed separately over the years, but this is the first time the whole piece has been staged by the Maine State Ballet Company.

Artistic Director Linda MacArthur Miele recognizes the importance of giving others the opportunity to stretch themselves creatively. She says, "It's important for the growth and longevity of the Company to foster new choreographers. Glenn Davis has demonstrated the ability to create new works. It's not just about putting steps together, it's about working with dancers, highlighting their strengths, casting, scheduling rehearsals, costuming, choosing music and working within a budget as well--all areas in which Mr. Davis is highly competent. He has great vision, and I look forward to seeing more of his work in the future."

Davis is excited to present his full ballet, Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto, and to see his years of work come to fruition. "Yes, it took me 10 years to stage it, " he says. "Slow and steady wins the race would apply to me and this ballet."

There will be a dessert reception immediately following the performance each night, where audience members will have a chance to mingle with the dancers, take photos and get autographs.

All proceeds from the evening will go to support the Maine State Ballet Dancers' Fund, which helps to support the Company members and enhance their dance experience.

Maine State Ballet's Dancer's Choice Showcase runs two nights only, June 22nd and 23rd, 7pm, at the Maine State Ballet Lopez Theater, 348 U.S. Route One, Falmouth.

Tickets are priced at $15-$20 for reserved seating, with a $2 discount for seniors (62 & over)and children (12 & under). Order tickets online at www.mainestateballet.org or call Maine State Ballet at 207-781-7672 for more information.

Maine State Ballet, based in Falmouth, Maine, is one of New England's leading performing arts institutions and twice named Maine's Best Dance Group by Downeast Magazine. Its two components are the School for the Performing Arts, offering instruction in ballet, tap, jazz and other dance styles to more than 500 children and adults; and the Maine State Ballet Company, comprised of more than 25 professional dancers. Maine State Ballet is a nonprofit organization.

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