Published: October 19, 2008 08:15 pm      

Richmond Ballet thrills CMC audience

PRINCETON — Based on exit polling Sunday afternoon, the ballet was filled with winners — the Richmond Ballet on tour, that is.

The talented dance ensemble made its inaugural West Virginia appearance at the Chuck Mathena Center to a surprisingly near-capacity audience on a beautiful fall afternoon in southern West Virginia.

“This was an incredible opportunity,” Mary Leb, CMC program manager said. “Michael Stewart, program manager of the Richmond Ballet contacted me last year about the possibility of a West Virginia appearance. I was president of the West Virginia Arts Presenters Association at the time.

“We (the CMC) were the only ones to step up to the challenge of bringing them here to West Virginia,” Leb said. “To do this in our first season at a new venue was just an incredible accomplishment and the curtain rose at 3 p.m.”

Ballet lovers from throughout Mercer County and surrounding areas gave rave reviews as they exited the theater. “They were marvelous!” Eugenia Hancock said.

“I just loved the choreography!” Betty Bailey said.

“It was a beautiful way to spend a beautiful afternoon,” Ann Taylor said.

Heleana McFadden, 10, of Princeton loved the final dance to the music of Django Reinhardt, while Claire Fisher, 9, of Bluefield enjoyed the “Ancient Arts and Dances” phase of the show with music by Ottorino Respighi. Claire Fisher’s brother, Brian, 7, sided with McFadden.

“I thought it was a well-balanced program,” Donna Fisher — Claire and Brian’s mother said. “It was nice to see a ballet performance company with about an equal number of men and women dancers.”

Nikalee Foster of Ronceverte and Katie Woper of Lewisburg, both attended the masterworks session Saturday night and also enjoyed the performance on Sunday afternoon. “I saw them in Richmond,” Foster said. “Today’s performance was different, but wonderful.”

Several members of the company remained on stage for a post-performance question and answer period, and the entire ensemble visited with the audience in the grand hall. “They’re wonderful,” John R. “Randy” Lamb of Bluefield, Va., said.

– Contact Bill Archer at barcher@bdtonline.com