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.

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.