C.A.R.E. Ballet opens the arts to KVO and CBOT students

Kent Vocational Options and Community Based Occupational Training (KVO & CBOT), part of the Grand Rapids Public Schools, would like to thank the Creative Arts Repertoire Ensemble (C.A.R.E.) and their sponsors for the wonderful ballet performance of Romeo & Juliet. CARE Ballet is a non profit organization, founded in 1992 and, as stated on their website, “dedicated to the support and growth of dance in Michigan.” Erin Bartkus, a student in KVO Group 4 said “It was fun. I liked it. I liked the dancing and being with everybody.”

An initial presentation was given to the students of KVO and the KVO & CBOT Fine Arts Program Dance Troupe on Tuesday, January 31st, 2012. This presentation provided a brief lesson on the story of Romeo & Juliet. The presenter Anne King and two of the CARE dancers instructed the students on what to expect at a ballet performance, some common etiquette concerning attending a ballet, and a brief demonstration of some ballet moves. Sam Jones of the KVO Group 1 classroom said “I would like to bring my mom to see the dance.  She would like it.” Her classmate Teri Gabrick said “I like ballet because I can see a lot of people dancing. They danced to music and their costumes were all different colors. I liked the girl’s costumes best. I would like to go back again.” 

CARE Ballet and their sponsors provided admission and free transportation to the performance at St. Cecilia Music Center on Friday, February 03. David Ryner, also of KVO Group 1 said “my favorite part was the sword fights. They looked real. I liked the costumes and the dancing.”

Thank-you CARE Ballet and sponsors for making this opportunity possible and allowing the students of KVO and CBOT to experience another of the cultural arts available in Grand Rapids.