One challenge RBT is working through is that since developing our May student recital into a full-length ballet, participation numbers for our June show has lowered. We started seeing this trend last year with the Cinderella Recital and youth signing up for Snow White. The positive side of this is that May show participation and school enrollment has grown due to this change, which supports a stronger school. We know that it is important to offer our student dancers both of these experiences: the chance to have lead roles in May and the chance to work in larger productions with our company in June. Understandably, some students can struggle with juggling both shows and academic commitments.

RBT is still on track to have meaningful youth participation in Sleeping Beauty. This aspect of the proposal is not threatened in any way, we just have smaller numbers that previously hoped. To support the students, we are starting ballets early to ensure there is time for both productions in Roanoke, and waiting until after our Blacksburg partner’s recital to start rehearsals there. We have discussed holding auditions to invite even more schools to join and grow numbers, but staff time and marketing resources are limited for this addition, and may not be practical with this year’s budget. Staff is exploring program adaptations to foster youth participation for future years. However, the kids are still eager to take their place in this historic production, and RBT are proud to facilitate their successful participation.

The picture shows a few moments from Q3: New tutus under construction for Aurora, The Lilac Fairy and the Vivante Fairy. Company Dancer Antonia Dougherty reading at Belmont Branch Library in March. RBT’s company posing with Mr. Salnikov after a productive week of rehearsals.