Peoria Ballet is pleased to announce its 2012 Summer Intensive performance of the classic “Paquita”. This year’s Summer Intensive program included five weeks of concentrated ballet training with guest instructors from the Joffrey Ballet, the Luna Negra Dance Theater, and a musical theater professional from New York City. The performance on July 29, 2012 at 6:00pm will include works by Ariel Cisneros, Victoria Vargas, Todd Michael Cook, Liz Curtin Rogers, as well as Peoria Ballet’s staff. The performance will culminate with “Paquita” set by Artistic Director, Servy Gallardo.

The Peoria Ballet is reviving a piece of its own history by setting the performance at Peoria’s Riverside Community Church (once known as Peoria’s Shrine Mosque). In 1966, the Ballet’s first performance was held at the Shrine Mosque, marking the beginning of its history and relationship with the Peoria community.
“We are excited to bring Peoria Ballet back to its roots and we invite everyone to come enjoy the hard work our students have put in,” Academy Director Tamra Challacombe. As a bonus, there is no admission charge for the performance. We want the entire community to have the opportunity to attend.

The mission of the Peoria Ballet is to provide “art that moves” through high-quality dance instruction and stimulating performances. Peoria Ballet desires to improve upon and touch the Peoria area public with productions that stir the soul and inspire young art lovers. The academy provides lecture demonstrations for several thousand schoolchildren and more than 49 different dance classes for students of all ages and ability levels.