The new year is dawning with a sprinkle of pixie dust, thanks to Plano Metropolitan Ballet. “The Adventures of Tinkerbelle” hits the stage Jan. 3-18 at Plano’s Courtyard Theater and promises not to disap-pointe.
Plano Metropolitan Ballet, a nonprofit company based out of local studio Gotta Dance, debuted in 1987, and has been under the direction of Cindi Lawrence Hanson since 1998. The company includes dancers ages 12-18 who practice ballet and pointe weekly.
With each production, Plano Met Ballet hopes to encourage local citizens’ interest in the art of dance, reach underserved community members with performances, showcase dancers’ talents and provide an atmosphere where students can grow.
Gotta Dance prides itself on being a studio that celebrates the joy of dance without putting unnecessary pressure on its students. While ballet technique is emphasized, competition among students is not encouraged.
“Everybody is an equal piece of the puzzle. The older students mentor the young students. We just love dancing together,” Cindi said.
The highlight of Plano Met Ballet’s season is its fairytale ballet, performed annually in January. Past productions include “The Little Mermaid” and “Sleeping Beauty.” The fairytale ballet always includes a few special performances for Girl Scouts that allow girls to meet the dancers after the show.
“We don’t tell the students [which production] we’re doing until the day we start,” Cindi said. “I get to feel like a parent wrapping up a Christmas present and watching them open this great surprise on the first day back after the summer.”
This year, the principal dancers in “The Adventures of Tinkerbelle” include Jenna Davis in the role of Tinkerbelle, Samantha Irwin as Hook, Avery Foligno in the role of Professor Profit and Veronica Rupp as Tiger Lily. The principals are graduating seniors, and get to lead the ballet as farewell to their time at the studio.
“We’ve created such a family here at this studio, and so many good memories together. Being able to grow as one solid unit with all these people – it’s cool to see all our journeys come together,” Samantha said.
“The Adventures of Tinkerbelle” performs Jan. 3-18 at Plano’s Courtyard Theater. Special performances for Girl Scouts are on Jan. 4, 11 and 17. Tickets are available at the link below.
Plano Met Ballet >
