Metropolitan Ballet of Wichita
939 Parklane • Wichita, KS 67218
316-687-5880

Jill Landrith, Artistic Director

Metropolitan Ballet of Wichita is the oldest and largest ballet company in the state of Kansas. Founded as a non-profit organization in 1974, MBW has been bringing the art of ballet to audiences across Kansas. Each December, Artistic Director Jill Landrith oversees the over 80 local dancers that perform the holiday ballet "The Nutcracker," at Century II Concert Hall. Performances include world-class guest artists and live orchestration by the Metropolitan Ballet Orchestra. Four of these performances are reserved for area public and private school students only. Many times, this is the first exposure to these young people to ballet. MBW also offers two performances for general audiences. The company also takes the entire performance on tour to various cities and towns across Kansas.

Each spring Metropolitan Ballet of Wichita performs at Wichita State University's Miller Concert Hall. The program changes each year. This year, MBW will dance a mixed bill that includes two new ballets choreographed by Jill Landrith. One of the ballets, "There Was a Child," is based on a Paul Klee painting. Another new ballet, "Blue," is performed to live singing and guitar accompaniment of local legend Rudy Love. Also being performed is the classic ballet, "Les Sylphide." There are three performances, two on May 3 and one on May 4, 2003. On May 3, a children's matinee will be held at 2 p.m. This performance will have a lecture and is specifically geared towards children. May 3 at 7:30 p.m. and May 4 at 2:30 p.m. will be performances for general audiences, however, these are appropriate for ballet-goers of all ages. Tickets may be purchased at the WSU Fine Arts Box Office soon.

The first week of June, MBW will perform "Alice in Wonderland" in Wichita area parks. This annual series, called Ballet in the Park, is free of charge and geared towards children. All you need to bring is your lawn chair or blanket. MBW hopes to see you there.

Metropolitan Ballet of Wichita shares it space in Parklane Shopping Center with Nancy Hervey School of Ballet. Ms. Hervey's school has trained hundreds of dancers, many of them turning their excellent training into professional dance careers. The school offers classical ballet training to children ages 4 through adults, and many of MBW's dancers train at the school.

Metropolitan Ballet of Wichita hopes to see all of you at their upcoming performances in May and June. MBW hopes that you make supporting the art of dance a tradition in your family. For more information, you may call the MBW studios at 687-5880.

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