Auburn Ballet to present two free performances for good cause

By: Donathan Prater | Opelika Auburn News
Published: May 02, 2008

They’re putting their best foot forward.

Then back.

And then side to side.

This week, Auburn Ballet (www.auburnballet.com) will present two free performances, both for good causes benefitting the Lee County Humane Society and Orphanage Emmanuel in the Honduras.

During the first concert, the Children’s Division will present “A Carnival of the Animals for the Animals.”

The “Carnival” will be performed by a special group of dancers that range in age from 2 to 8 years-old and cope with various physical and mental limitations.

Auburn Ballet instructors have been working with the performers for the past few months on their routines that will be set to the musical stylings of Camille Saint-Saens.

The upcoming performance is one Kate Stribling said she looks forward to just as much as her young dance pupils.

“Working with these special dancers has been great,” said Stribling, an Auburn University graduate who is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Physical Therapy at UAB. “I’m continuously impressed by their attitudes and am glad they’ll get the chance this weekend to show off their hard work.”

Also on the international dance card will be the 2008 World Tour of Dance that will feature dance performances in the style of the respective regions of Ireland (Irish Jigs and Reels), Argentina (Tango) and Spain and Italy with Paquita and Napoli forms of ballet.

Dancers participating in the performance range in age from 7 years to adult.

The 2008 World Tour of Dance will help support the programs of Orphanage Emmanuel which was established in 1989 as a refuge for orphaned Honduran children.

Both Nadine Cole and her daughter, Claudia Oates are coordinators for both performances.

If you Go

What: A Carnival of the Animals for the Animals

When: Saturday, May3 at 11 a.m.

Where: Auburn High School Auditorium

What: 2008 World Tour of Dance

When: Saturday, May 3 at 7 p.m.

Where: Auburn High School Auditorium

Admission to the Carnival and the 2008 World Tour of Dance is free, but those in attendance are asked to bring a donation of a bag of cat litter, trash bags or laundry detergent

Those who attend the 2008 World Tour of Dance are asked to make a donation of a 50-pound bag of rice, 25-pound bag of beans and/or socks, underwear or other articles of clothing.