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