By Alicia Kelso

 

On Thursday, BalletMet hosted a preview party featuring some of the numbers its dancers will be performing at the internationally-renowned, invitation-only Joyce Theatre in New York City.

 

If you haven't seen a BalletMet performance in a long time - or ever - take our word for it: It's worth the cost of an impromptu vacation to the Big Apple.

 

Columbus' premiere dance troupe will perform at the Joyce Theatre from Sept. 30-Oct. 5.

 

This prestigious invitation is an exciting opportunity for the company and its Columbus fans. BalletMet was one of only 27 companies selected from an international field of 63 applicants to perform. The troupe’s NYC debut was in 2004 at The Joyce, in which The New York Times described the performance as “a mesmerizing tour de force.”

 

This time around should be no different. Jimmy Orrante, a 14-year BalletMet dancer, has thrown on his choreographer hat for two pieces in the show - set to the tunes of Simon and Garfunkel (Patterns and Cecelia).

 

Another selection BalletMet will be bringing to NYC is Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down), choreographed by dancer Adam Hundt. This piece was featured in the 30th anniversary program 30x30.

Sweet, which was also featured in 30x30, was choreographed by David Shimotakahara, from Cleveland; and Square Off, choreographed by Darrell Grand Moultrie of New York City, will also be performed.

 

"We're very excited to perform work in New York done by a New York choreographer that's never been seen in New York before," says Gerard Charles, artistic director of BalletMet, of Moultrie's piece.

 

One of the most celebrated performances in BalletMet's repertoire - Dracula - will also be heading to New York, and later to St. Louis. "There is really nothing more delicious than Dracula," Charles says.

 

For those unable to make the trip to The Joyce, Dracula will take a final bow in Columbus Oct. 10-18 at Capitol Theatre. Get your tickets at www.balletmet.org.

 

For those who are intrigued by a possible road trip to New York, know your time will be well spent championing Columbus.

 

"Supporting the arts is feeding the soul. It is so important for Franklin County, for Columbus, to have our arts being featured in New York City," says Marilyn Brown, president of the Franklin County Commissioners. "The members of BalletMet are true ambassadors for all of us here. And they do it so well."