Articles - 2004
Mendocino
Ballet: A New Direction for Dance in Ukiah
Classical Ballet has found a new home. In 2002, the Mendocino
Ballet purchased the Emerald Café building at 205 South
State Street in Ukiah. A new state-of-the-art dance floor,
plus mirrors and barres, complement the high ceilings, brick
walls and large space of the main studio.Two smaller studios
are devoted to the training of young children with a cozy
waiting area for parents. A small dancewear shop featuring
leotards, ballet slippers, tap and jazz shoes as well as other
dance and gift items, is open to the public. Funds from businesses
and individuals helped the Mendocino Ballet realize the dream
of a permanent home for dance in the community. "The
support we received from so many people and businesses shows
us how the Mendocino Ballet is valued as a community based
non-profit organization. This is a testament to the appreciation
and desire for high quality dance in this area", said
Trudy
McCreanor, Artistic Director. The Mendocino Ballet was incorporated
in 1984 by former Director Mary Knight as a non-profit organization
dedicated to providing educational and performance opportunities
for the Ukiah, coastal and surrounding communities. In 2001,
Ms. Knight retired and the ballet company decided to expand
on its mission by forming a Classical Ballet based dance
school to fill the need for professional quality dance instruction
in the area. Trudy McCreanor was then hired as the Artistic
Director of the company and Executive Director of the newly
formed ballet school. A former professional ballet dancer,
Founder and Artistic Director of Colorado West Ballet, she
brought over 25 years of performance and arts management
experience to Ukiah.
McCreanor
remarked,"Dance is so wonderful for children and adults.
Few students actually become professional dancers, but each
one benefits from the strength, poise, endurance and grace
as they build the self-esteem and respect for their bodies
that comes from mastering dance in a professional environment
such as ours. Ballet has had the unfortunate image of being
for the very thin, or very wealthy, but we have developed
a program that is accessible to everyone."
The
Mendocino Ballet is focused on providing the very highest
quality dance training and performance opportunities in
a positive, nurturing and professional environment. They
provide an age-appropriate curriculum, year-round classes
and performance opportunities ranging from informal studio
shows to the chance to audition as a member of the Mendocino
Ballet Company, (their student based, pre-professional dance
company). An active Outreach Program introduces dance movement
and history to children in the schools and throughout the
community. They have a "Young Dancers Program"
designed to introduce the pre-school child ages 2-5 to the
joys and diversity of dance. Their "Dance for Everyone"
program gives everyone ages 6-Adult the opportunity to sample
a variety of techniques from Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Modern Dance,
and Creative Dance, to a special Boy's Dance and Tumbling
class. They have also opened their space to Flamenco with
LaTania and Middle Eastern Dance with Linda Johnston and
are collaborating with David Post, Director of the Vivace
Choir, to introduce "Dazzle", a musical theatre
based dance and singing class for children ages 8-13. An
annual "Nutcracker" production delights audiences
of all ages each Christmas Holiday season. A Spring Concert
is performed for local school children in conjunction with
the Mendocino College Community Extension, featuring a children's
story ballet or an educational and entertaining look at
the history and diversity of dance. The Mendocino Ballet
has performed at Regional Dance America Festivals for 22
years. Plus, students have the chance to perform at local
fairs, community events, and in the schools.
The
Mendocino Ballet is proud to be part of a community that
supports the arts and its children and invites you to visit
or call them at 707-463-2290 for information on classes,
performances or how you can be involved in one of the most
exciting dance program in the area!
