BalletFest Atlanta 2006
The third annual "BalletFest Atlanta 2006" will open Saturday, March 11 at the Joe Mack Wilson Student Center Theatre, Marietta, GA. Founder and Artistic Director, Marcus R. Alford is excited about the growth and popularity of the 3-year-old event. Alford explains, "BalletFest Atlanta 2006" gathers companies in a non-competitive atmosphere to participate in master classes for the students and performances showcasing local and regional performers. The festival promotes the art of ballet for dancers and audiences alike." An internationally acclaimed jazz dancer, teacher and choreographer, Mr. Alford is also Founder and Artistic Director of "Jazz On Tap" (the metro Atlanta Jazz and Tap Dance Festival) which is in its 19th season.
In speaking with local directors, Mr. Alford discovered a need and desire for this type of regional event. His experience on the faculties of SERBA (Southeast Regional Ballet Association) and the International Ballet Competition in Jackson, Mississippi immersed Alford in several large, regional, national and international festivals. He states, "Atlanta deserved its own festival, presenting the wealth of quality dance we have right here in our own metro area! Building on the success of the first two festivals, the 2006 event will add more classes and feature two performances."
This exciting event will begin with master classes for students ages 10 and older on Saturday, March 11 and Sunday, March 12. The workshop faculty includes returning favorites Wes Chapman, former Principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre and Director of the Alabama Ballet in Birmingham and festival Artistic Director, Marcus R. Alford. New to the BalletFest Atlanta workshop is Sharon Story, Dean of the Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education and former dancer with the Atlanta Ballet and Boston Ballet and Juan Sanchez of Orlando, FL, former dancer with the Joffrey Ballet, London Festival Ballet, Frankfurt State Opera and Alvin Ailey Repertory Company. Modern classes will be added to this year's workshop schedule. The classes are $15.00 each and are open to the public.
The highlight of the festival will be two command performances, Saturday, March 11 at 7:30pm and Sunday, March 12 at 2:00pm. Ticket prices are $13.00 for adults and $8.00 for students and children. All events will be held at the Joe Mack Wilson Student Center Theatre and Ballrooms, Southern Polytechnic State University, 1100 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta, Georgia. For workshop and performance tickets or additional information, phone 770-516-7229.