Highlands Ballet Company dancers in a scene from "Can't Stop the Feeling," which was the signature piece for the Virginia Highlands Festival.
On Oct. 12from 6-9 p.m. the Barns at Chip Ridge in Abingdon, Virginia, are bustling with mingling, food, drink, music and of course dancing, as the Highlands Ballet Company presents its annual fundraiser, Hops on Pointe – Raising the Barre.Guests at the event are treated to "revolutionary" food selected and served by Whiskey Rebellion of Bristol, Tennessee.Musical entertainment for the evening is provided by "Bristol's Troubadour," J.P. Parsons and performing arts by Highlands Ballet Company. Throughout the event, guests mingle with company dancers and directors, while enjoying award-winning craft beer from Wolf Hills Brewing Company of Abingdon.
This fifth annual fundraiser has been moved to a new venue to accommodate more guests in the hopes of raising $10,000 to support the company's production of "A Christmas Carol," for the 2017 holiday season. Each year, the fundraiser allows the company to continue fostering the mission ofproviding entertainment, educational and cultural opportunities for the community, to promote the understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of the art of danceto the Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee regional community.This mission is best seen in action through after-school education and performance opportunities afforded to local children and teens by the company through the Highlands Center for Ballet Arts.The school provides the foundation during the childhood years; while the Highlands Ballet Company offers advanced students the opportunity for further study and to share the special training and performing opportunities of a civic dance company.
Highlands Ballet Company has provided performing arts productions for more than 20 years under the direction of Deanna Cole-Roberts and Deirdre Cole. The company performs regionally in both full-length classical and original ballets.Most recently, the company was honored to be selected as the 2017 Virginia Highlands Festival Signature Artist.
To provide a full-length ballet production, guests artist are sometimes required. For Highlands Ballet, this means male dancers.Raising the money to provide professional male dancers is problematic and the main reason Highlands Ballet chose to begin this fundraiser.Monies raised from Hops on Pointe directly support the company in providing professional dancers for partnering, costuming for all dancers in the production, props and set elements, as well as to provide for training throughout the year for the dancers.
Tickets to "Hops on Pointe – Raising the Barre" are $50 per person and include dinner and entertainment for the evening.Guests have the opportunity to bid on luxury-themed offerings during a silent auction.Other opportunities for giving are presented during the event, as well.
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the mission at Highlands Ballet Company is supported by community businesses, foundations and individuals."The talent, creativity and hard work of the company's artistic directors, faculty and dancers are but a small portion of what makes Highlands Ballet an exceptional dance company.The support of local and regional business and individuals is a key component of the Company's success," says Cole-Roberts.
For more information about Hops on Pointe – Raising the Barre, contact the studio (276) 623-0822 orwww.highlandsballet.org. Corporate sponsorships of the event are also accepted.
