"A lot of people are scared by ballet," said UGA Ballet Ensemble director Joan Buttram. "It's like when you go to a museum thinking, 'I'm not going to get this.' But I really feel like this show has such variety that you are going to get something."
"Spring Gala 2001" is the ensemble's year-ending show, featuring various works ranging from classical romantic ballet to borderline modern pieces. As the University's pre-professional, auditioned ballet company, the dancers rehearse year round, preparing pieces to present at both the Concert Dance Company concert and at their annual spring show.
After last year's full-length production of the classical ballet "La Bayadere," Buttram wanted to change the mood of the dancer's work, giving this year a whole different flavor.
contemporary and to change and this prepares them for that."
to grooving to music from Bobby McFerrin. The second half of the show will be an act from the classical ballet "Gissele."
doing and more contemporary things that the ballroom group does."
Although people tend to approach ballet with some preconceived notions about its aesthetic, Buttram said, the art form is constantly shifting from what most people consider the "look" of ballet.