Ballets Of Enchantment Features Local Dancers

In the heart of West Virginia, as the festive season twinkles with lights and laughter, the Augusta Youth Ballet Company, under the creative direction of Nina M. Scattaregia, invites the community to “The Ballets of Enchantment.” A lineup of ballets, old and new. This year’s production is scheduled for Friday, December 6 at 7 p.m., and Saturday, December 7 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

The performance will begin with "The Firebird” which is based around the Slavic folklore tale of the Firebird with a cast of mythical creatures and ancient curses to a score by Igor Stravinsky. We follow the princesses on their journey to break the curse placed by Kaschei, the sorcerer.

After a brief intermission the company will be joined by the infamous Puck with Pixies played by ballet students from The Dance Factory for an excerpt from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Dancers will portray the playfulness and frivolity of the Shakespearean dream world. The premier of the new contemporary ballet, “Tales from the Dark Crystal” will conclude the evening as we explore an enchanting world of Skesis, Mystics, and Gelflings as we follow Jen on her quest to find the missing crystal shard with the help of Kira and Augrha.

These performances will take place at The Virginia Thomas Law Center for the Performing Arts, nestled on the picturesque campus of West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon.

The stage will come alive with over 30 dancers of the AYBC and students from The Dance Factory. These dedicated performers will transform the stage into a world of mystery and enchantment.

Founded in 1998, the Augusta Youth Ballet Company has continued to delight audiences with full-length ballets and repertories by Nina Scattaregia and guest choreographers each holiday season. The company, based at The Dance Factory in north-central West Virginia, allows members to perform and train in a professional setting within their community. Members hail from Upshur, Barbour, Lewis, Gilmer, Harrison, and Randolph county.

Tickets are available through The Dance Factory’s website at www.thedancefactorywv.com. You may also purchase tickets at The Dance Factory or from Company members.

For further inquiries, please reach out via email to thedancefactorywv@gmail.com with the subject line ‘Winter Performance,’ or by phone at 304-472-8291. Updates and additional details about the performance will also be shared on Facebook.

The Augusta Youth Ballet Company is a 501c3 semi-professional ballet company.