It’s the "Season of Hope", as the Atlantic City Ballet confirms they will be continuing fall programs starting this September. With the long wait through months of uncertainty, they are back in social distancing-appropriate rehearsals (avec masks) getting ready for the COVID-19 restriction-regulated performances. You can feel completely safe getting your tickets, as each one is assigned with a physically-distanced seat, but do not wait, as space is limited and tickets will sell out fast. See the troupe’s first offering, Papa and Sinatra, an ACB original, followed by spooky, sensuous Dracula, holiday shows, and more. Select your shows here: https://www.acballet.org/attend. And who will you be seeing in those bright lights onstage?
Photo by Alessandro Marinho Meet two company dancers, Lorenna Calheiros @lorennacalheiros and Rina Yamaguchi @ballet_rina. These ladies may be international, but through the company, AC is home, and they, too, miss their full-force favorite local nightlife and eateries just like everyone else.
Calheiros, hailing from Brazil, misses going out to her favorite spots at Caesar’s and always loved hanging at Bourre. She started dancing when she was young, doing well in street dance until a ballet teacher invited her to take a ballet class. “I fell in love and couldn’t stop” she says. Now, her talent is showcased onstage and you can see her in just a few months.
Yamaguchi is also working tirelessly to prepare for the return. A Japan native, she got her start when her mom took her to a ballet class, and her mind was made up. She missed her go-to spot, at Golden Nugget’s Chart House. “I love seafood, especially raw fish because I’m from Japan, so I always order [their] tuna tartar and calamari!”, she recounts.
What keeps her busy when she’s not practicing for the great dance return? Why, sewing masks and more, of course. Check out her creations on Instagram at @rinadancewear. She also owns Rina Dancewear on Etsy, where she makes and sells dancewear, like leotards and skirts.
These are just two ballerinas that you can enjoy in the upcoming shows, and you can meet them all! To see a previous segment about other dancers, check out the article here and stay tuned for more about the company.
Find your sanity again and experience great dance with the Atlantic City Ballet. And as the dancers say for good luck before going onstage: Merde!
Photo by Susan Gietka
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