The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Free ballet performance a hit
Live entertainment is returning to Lakeview Park in Lorain.
North Pointe Ballet held its third free show on the lake on Sept. 9.
Crowds flocked to see the abridged version of “Cinderella.”
North Pointe Ballet’s mission is to make classical ballet accessible to everyone in the community, according to its website.
“The performances in the park really spoke to our mission of community engagement,” said Janet Dziak, artistic director. “We decided to keep it going.”
The company began to partner with Lorain County Metro Parks to hold a free series at Lakeview Park.
The performance incorporated partner programs with El Centro and A Chance to Dance.
“This is another great opportunity to incorporate those students in our productions,” said Dziak.
“We’re kind of coming back to normal,” said Elizabeth Radachi, a professional dancer and staff at North Pointe Ballet. “We’re now able to host more productions and have an audience.”
She said she believes by removing the barriers to theater, they are able to impact a broader audience.
“We perform a condensed version; hours-long performances range about 45 minutes at Lakeview Park,” Radachi said. “It’s a gateway to open people up to theater who may be apprehensive.”
Nutcracker auditions will be this upcoming Sunday, said Dziak