Hello Everyone,

         This is Michael Bearden reporting from our nation’s capital. The atmosphere is electric at the Kennedy Center here in Washington D.C.! Some of the best ballet companies in the world are all sharing the same stage this week. I have seen many hugs and hand shakes between old friends and acquaintances in the backstage area. In many ways it is like one big reunion.

          Ballet West opened the week long festival last night, with a heart felt performance of  ”Serenade”  The audience responded very well to the company’s performance with great depth in their applause. Some audience members were even moved to shout out loud during our bows. Adam Sklute also bowed with his dancers for the first time as an Artistic Director on the Kennedy Center stage. After the curtain went down I saw tears in the eyes of some of my fellow dancers, many of whom had just performed for the first time on this magical stage. They were obviously moved by the aura created by the audience, the architecture, and their dancing from their hearts.

         The company is performing tonight, and I am sure they will dance even more beautifully! I am off to a pre-show party hosted by Senators Hatch and Bennett. I will try to get some photos for the blog.     

Take care,

       Michael Bearden

Four Ballet West Bombshells

Michael and Victoria in front of the Kennedy Center

Group shot in the Eisenhower studio