Like a Phoenix Rising from the Ashes
The Ballet Theatre of Lexington intends to succeed, not merely survive

This time last year no one could be sure the fledgling Ballet Theatre of Lexington would survive its first year to take on a second season. After all, the group had to scrape its funds and accommodations from nothing after the Lexington Ballet suspended its performance company in May 1998 due to a financial crisis. Some might have seen that decision as the end of ballet in Lexington, but for many of the Lexington Ballet's former dancers, it meant not an end but a beginning.

Ballet Theatre of Lexington rose from the ashes with artistic director Xijun Fu and many former Lexington Ballet dancers determined to fill the void. They opened Ballet Theatre Aug. 31, 1998, on National Avenue. The 4,000-square-foot facility included two studios, office space, student and company dressing rooms and sprung dance floors. The troupe held its first performance in October.

"The road has not been easy, but very few really worthwhile things in life are," said Jan Foody, president of the BTL board of directors. Ballet in Lexington had survived after all.

The next step

However, it is not Ballet Theatre of Lexington's intent simply to survive. Its founders intend for it to succeed. "Through dedication and perseverance, the dream of a small group of dancers has already been realized. We have succeeded in offering diverse programs of the highest caliber, both on the stage and at the BTL Academy," said BTL founder Heather Ferranti.

Starting with a September performance, the Ballet Theatre of Lexington will stage a total of four shows through April 2000 during its 1999-2000 season. The Ballet Theatre of Lexington will present "Nutcracker" Nov. 12-14 at the Lexington Opera House. In February, Series II will include a variety of ensemble pieces performed Feb. 18-19, at the Lexington Opera House. The season will wrap up with Series III, "Yellow River," April 28-29, at the Lexington Opera House. However, it has taken a combined effort to bring BTL this far, an effort led by artistic director Xijun Fu.

Leading roles

Born in Quing Dao, China, Fu began his dance training at the Beijing Dance Academy and joined the Central Ballet of China as a soloist dancer at the age of 18. He was promoted to principal dancer at 19. In 1985, Fu worked as a guest artist in a cultural exchange program with Ballet de Santiago under the direction of former American Ballet Theatre star Ivan Nagy. After returning to China, Fu taught at the Beijing Dance Academy. In 1988, Fu joined the Cincinnati Ballet as a soloist dancer as well as performing as a guest artist with many major and international companies. Fu co-founded the Summer Flight Ballet Company in Cincinnati and served as the group's artistic director. The 16-dancer company performed during the spring and summer throughout Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.

Fu came to Lexington in 1994, joining the Lexington Ballet Company as principal dancer and ballet master. He took on the job of artistic director in 1996. When the Lexington Ballet closed down its performance group in 1998, Fu led the effort to maintain professional dance in Central Kentucky and helped create the Ballet Theatre of Lexington.

Working with Fu to make the Ballet Theatre of Lexington's productions exciting and dramatic are dancers Norbe Risco Avila, Rafaela Cento Munox, Rebecca Ratliff, Erin Tracy-Laico and Adalhi Aranda-Corn. Avila trained at the Vocational Art School in Cuba. He has danced as a guest artist in Italy and been part of La Campania de Ballet Camaguey and La Campania de Ballet de Monterrey. Munoz was trained at the Camaguey Ballet Academy and the Professional Ballet Academy of Cuba. She danced with the Camaguey Ballet Company and the Monterrey Ballet Company. Ratliff's training includes the schools of Oregon Ballet Theatre and Cleveland Ballet. Her professional experience includes working with the Lexington Ballet and the Milwaukee Ballet. She also teaches ballet at the Academy and is responsible for the company's public relations. Aranda-Corn has danced with the Ensamble de Danza de Jalisco and the Ballet de Camara de Jalisco and most recently served as ballet mistress for Evansville Dance Theatre in Indiana. An accomplished choreographer as well as dancer, Aranda-Corn joins the Ballet Theatre of Lexington as a company dancer and director of the professional academy. Tracy-Laico has danced professionally with Atlanta Ballet Theatre, Tulsa Ballet Theatre, Ballet Pacifica and Eugene Ballet.

Planning future steps

However, it will not be easy for BTL to continue. Unable to seek grant funds -- a major source of revenue for most arts groups -- for at least another year, Ballet Theatre of Lexington must survive entirely on community involvement and private donations. What has made this unique group of artistic souls put so much on the line, risking their professional futures on a dream? The community.

"Lexington is my home, and I love and enjoy its sense of community," Fu said. "How fortunate that I am able to continue to pursue this art form, with such a talented group of dancers, in such a unique setting. It is because of you that we exist and it is for you that we perform."

Deanna Mascle is a staff writer for The Lane Report.

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