Lexington Ballet

Photo provided by Lexington and Louisville Ballet.

Two cities. Two companies. One message.

For the first time in Kentucky’s history, the artists of the Louisville Ballet and Lexington Ballet Company are coming together, not only for a shared love of dance but a passion for what is greater.

Though it may seem out of the ordinary for rival cities to work together, the two companies each bring unique talent to the stage. While this will be a performance of the arts, the two companies are taking this opportunity to demonstrate that there is more to ballet than the act of dance. Ballet can bring healing and tell stories that impact lives.

Cherie Perez, marketing director for the Louisville Ballet, said that ballet will not be the only thing communicated to the audience.

“We stand up for our truth, “ Perez said. “That includes lifting up other brands to recognize the hard work of others.”

The Louisville Ballet places emphasis on partnering with other non-profits to strengthen, support and celebrate differences within society.

The three-act show, called "United State of Dance," will include dancers of both companies and multiple styles of dance. The attendees are encouraged to wear red or blue attire to support their respective city, not to show division but, instead, to unite the crowd in color. Opening night to the public will be on Friday, Oct. 24, at the Lexington Opera House and will continue throughout the weekend.

The Louisville Ballet and Lexington Ballet Company are donating $5 from every ticket purchased to DanceBlue. This is a beautiful picture of dancers helping dancers, being done in a way that will help kick off the charity’s fundraising efforts. Additionally, the families and medical professionals involved with DanceBlue will receive a behind-the-scenes, private performance.

A vision of one united, powerful voice is rooted in "United State of Dance." This voice, spoken by the two performing arts companies, has the influence to make both cities more welcoming and connected.

“It’s important today that people, institutions and cities that seem to be enemies can rise above and lend a megaphone to the messages of others," said Robert Curren, artistic director for the Louisville Ballet.

In their collaboration, Lexington and Louisville are accomplishing exactly that.

“This is an event where red meets blue where blue is, and blue meeting red where red is," Curren said.