written by Kristina Reinstatler

 Art isn’t just framed in a museum or behind a case of glass, untouchable and remote.  Art is personal; it is an emotion, a movement, a moment.                            

Anneliese von Oettingen saw the value of bringing art to everyday.  She believed art needs to be experienced, and experienced fully.  When she began her school of ballet in 1948, she aspired to instill a love of storytelling through movement; she wanted to make artistic expression accessible and meaningful.

Today the Anneliese von Oettingen School of Ballet and Ballet Companies continues to realize her vision.  AvO strives to preserve the Art of Ballet.  This is art that cannot be experienced merely by reading a book, listening to music or examining costumes.  It is an adventure in self-discovery!  An adventure beginning with heels locked in first position flowing into a finale of a gracious reverence before an appreciative audience.  Ballet is an exhilarating performance conveying all the beauty and grace of the human body and its ability to express emotion.

AvO is a learning school where every student is encouraged to evolve in the Art of Ballet.  The Kinderballet students learn the skill of performing, whereas apprentices learn to teach and cooperate with their peers.  AvO seeks out young artists and provides them with an opportunity to share knowledge and communicate their stories by developing choreography.  These young performers work in tandem with talented, established artists.   Celebrated dancers such as Sarah Hairston of the Cincinnati Ballet and Steve Beirens of the College Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati, will be joining AvO to conduct classes this fall.  Kodee Lind Van Nort and Laura Baresel are returning as collaborators.  Together they offer a full schedule of exciting chances to experience the Art of Ballet.

The integral component of ballet is the audience.  Art is not complete until it is shared with others.  Experience art today.  Contact AvO at 513-481-0092 or visit us on the web at www.avoballet.org for more information about upcoming performances and class offerings.

Saturday, 5 December: 11:00 a.m.  Batesville Middle School Commons  Sponsored by the Batesville Memorial Library

Sunday, 6 December:  3:00 p.m.  The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, Vine Street Downtown 

Saturday, 12 December: 11:00 a.m. Historic Hoosier Theater, Vevay

 Saturday, 12 December:  3:30 p.m.  the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County,  Groesbeck  Branch

 Saturday, 19 December:  2:00 p.m.  Rising Sun, Heritage Hall

 Sunday, 20 December: 3:00 p.m. location to be confirmed

On December 20^th we are very excited to team up with an old friend to do a benefit for the Nancy Holbrook and Bertha Minning Foundation aka “Pass the Hat for Breast Cancer.”    Click here to find out more about Pass The Hat

Tuesday, 22 December: 2:00 p.m.  the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County,  Harrison Branch

Foodie Wannabes Blogspot

When Anneliese von Oettingen fled Germany as a refugee and arrived in Cincinnati with her two young children in 1947, she brought with her a love of teaching and a fierce dedication to the principle that ballet could transcend barriers and be an outlet for artistic expression.  Due to her experiences under a harsh regime in her native country, Anneliese refused to tolerate convention and she celebrated diversity.  She accepted all students when she established her ballet school in 1948 and was among the first to have African American students on stage. 

Over the years, the AvO School of Ballet and Ballet Companies has endeavored to bring ballet to everyone.  Anneliese von Oettingen was among the first to apply ballet methods to other athletes; working with pro football players, Olympic marathon runners, and ice skaters.  She was mentioned in Sports Illustrated for her efforts.  Anneliese believed ballet was movement used to tell a story, and began offering performances in many communities to share these stories. 

 Today the traditions of Anneliese’s teaching are carried on at AvO by Laura Hughes, artistic director; Conni Berns, Anneliese’s daughter; the instructors who have been trained by Laura and Conni; and the devoted students and parents that are part of the AvO family.  Generations of students have been trained at AvO with the same positive artistic education. Besides the school in the heart of Cheviot on Glenmore Avenue, AvO has extended its reach to Indiana at the Batesville school.  AvO continues to offer performances throughout the Tristate at libraries, retirement communities, and theaters.   

For information on upcoming performances or to learn about classes, visit AvO on the web at  www.avoballet.org

or call 513-481-0092.

Towns people are crossing the stage from left and right greeting each other, dancing, admiring each other’s coats & finery.  A lady crosses and the gentlemen tip hats & bow.  An important gentleman (The Mayor) holds attention of the townspeople as they greet and admire him.

The tailor rushes into the tailor shop, using key to open door, etc, The Mayor sees the Tailor and warmly greets him.  He orders a coat to be made for his wedding as the Tailor shows various fabric choices and takes careful measurements.  When the Mayor leaves to dance with the towns people, the Tailor uses his shears to cut the cloth.  He sits cross legged on the table.  After a time the Tailor closes up shop and goes back to his small home. 

Scene 2:  Simpkin and his tea cups

Simpkin appears from behind the table very mysterious, peeking under cups and in tea pots, looking very mischievous.  The Taylor gives Simpkin a pitcher (pipkin) and 4 coins to buy bread, milk, sausage, and twist.  Simpkin puts on his muffler and, shivering from the wind, leaves.

 Scene 3:  Playful Pizzicato: Mice are freed

The  tailor wants to sit on a small stool by the fire to warm himself.  He hears tapping.  He lifts a cup and looks shocked as he sees a lady mouse.   A gentleman mouse also appears.  The mice dance for joy, and listening in on the tailor, they make plans before scurrying away.

 Scene 4:  Simpkin in the Snow

     Wolcum Yole! (Anonymous 14^th century)

 Scene 5: The Tailor is Ill as Simpkin watches over

On the midwinter carol: one of the snowflakes returns for a solo.  Simpkin continues to pace…

Scene 6: Simpkin goes out Christmas Eve

1. Once in Royal David’s city A brief solo for a very elegant rooster!
2. Sussex Carol Rooster is joined by a Redbird
3. The Holly and the Ivy (English traditional carol) a lovely waltz for a blue jay, a fox, a cat and a frog
4. Instrumental Ding Dong Merrily on High 2 small brown bats, a squirrel, and a duck dance a lively jig
5. Joys Seven (… joy of 4) a fox is joined by a duck, a frog, and a blue jay
6. Three Ships: a lively hornpipe danced by a frog
7. As the bells toll once more, (Simpkin receives a surprise from an elegant white lady cat)

 Scene 7: Mice are Sewing Flowers and run out of twist!

 SPRING CAROL 

THERE IS NO ROSE (Anonymous 14th century)

Scene 8: Mice Renaissance

Tyger Tyger! Here the mice see Simpkin and dance taunting him as Simpkin angrily tries to get in the locked tailor shop.

Scene 9: Simpkin Reforms

Simpkin is angry at first, but thinks about the kindness the mice have done the tailor.  After the vocal adagio, Simpkin goes back to the tailor’s house.  He takes the twist out of the teapot and places it on the tailor’s bedside.  Simpkin then curls up as if sleeping next to the Tailor’s bed, completely repentant.

 Scene 10: Christmas Morning Finale and Bows