BalletMet’s Rachael Parini To End Her 20-Year Dancing Career with Her First Villainess Role in ‘Sleeping Beauty’ [INTERVIEW]

By Steve Sucato As the story goes, Rachael Parini’s dance journey began at age three when she told her mother that she wanted to play football like her father, who was then a player at Florida State University. The next day, her mother enrolled her in ballet class.  A native of Snellville, GA, her early dance training began at the Mazza-Smith Dance Studio in Jacksonville, … Continue reading BalletMet’s Rachael Parini To End Her 20-Year Dancing Career with Her First Villainess Role in ‘Sleeping Beauty’ [INTERVIEW]

Columbus’ Major Arts Organization’s Co-Production of ‘West Side Story’ is One for the Ages [REVIEW]

BalletMet, CAPA, Columbus Symphony, and Opera Columbus – West Side StoryOhio TheatreColumbus, OhioFebruary 13-16, 2025By Steve Sucato Columbus, Ohio, is home to an unusually collaborative performing arts community. The city’s major arts organizations, including its professional symphony, opera company, and ballet company, frequently join together to create magical productions for area audiences. It’s a level of participation that most cities its size don’t come close … Continue reading Columbus’ Major Arts Organization’s Co-Production of ‘West Side Story’ is One for the Ages [REVIEW]

Pivoting and Pitfalls: BalletMet’s Edwaard Liang Talks Programming a New Season in a Time of Pandemic

By Steve Sucato With uncertainty being the underlying theme of 2020, Columbus, Ohio’s BalletMet has taken a wait and see approach to announcing its new 2020-21 dance season. While many ballet companies in the U.S. have given into the inevitability of having to conduct their seasons in the virtual world and have announced their new season, BalletMet artistic director Edwaard Liang and staff have chosen … Continue reading Pivoting and Pitfalls: BalletMet’s Edwaard Liang Talks Programming a New Season in a Time of Pandemic