The University of Akron’s Dance Institute, part of the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences (BCAS), presents the premiere of “Prima Dina the Ballerina,” an original 45-minute ballet designed for young audiences. Performances will take place at Sandefur Theatre in Guzzetta Hall on May 9 at 7:30 p.m. and May 10 at 12:30 p.m. For tickets, visit tdi.booktix.com or call 330-972-7949.
Based on the book by Akron author Mary Ciesa, the ballet follows Dina Prima, a young girl determined to become a ballerina despite the challenges she faces. The production features 18 student performers under the direction of choreographers Brian Murphy, a guest artist at the Dance Institute, and Julie Schullo, special lecturer and dance instructor in the School of Dance, Theatre and Arts Administration in BCAS. The University of Akron (UA) students Coryne Page serves as the rehearsal assistant, Peyton Robinson as stage manager, Wittman Sullivan as lighting designer and Kendra Strickland as costume designer.
Sarah Bailey, manager of the Arts Academy at UA, expressed excitement about the production, calling it "a brand-new work that brings together our students' talents and creativity." She noted that excerpts of the ballet will be performed at the main Akron-Summit County Public Library and at the Jenks Building in Cuyahoga Falls before the full production at Sandefur Theatre.
"Our dancers, part of our pre-professional training program, have been deeply involved in the development process, working closely with the book’s author and our choreographers," Bailey added. "Thanks to our partnership with Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, the company will also experience the historical setting of the story through a special tour on April 13."
Story and Inspiration
Dina Prima dreams of becoming a ballerina, but she first needs special shoes, what she calls “especially ugly shoes.” As she struggles with self-doubt and teasing from others, ballet lessons in a historic mansion offer her a glimmer of hope. The heartwarming story of “Prima Dina the Ballerina” highlights perseverance, confidenceand the power of dreams.
“As a child, I faced a personal challenge that I was able to overcome,” Ciesa said. “I had a foot condition that required frequent visits to Akron Children’s Hospital and wearing orthopedic shoes. Once I could finally take ballet lessons at the mansion at the end of my street — what is now the historic Stan Hywet Manor House — it gave me the confidence to see my dream come true. This story reflects how even a small glimmer of hope can give us the courage to overcome obstacles and achieve our dreams.”
Enrolling for Summer Programs
The Dance Institute is now enrolling for Summer Arts Camp, summer dance and music lessons. For more information about the Arts Academy and the Dance Institute, visit www.uakron.edu/di.
Founded in 1967, the Dance Institute at The University of Akron is a pre-professional ballet-based program nationally recognized for its curriculum, which prepares students for careers in dance performance and education. The program was directed for 28 years by Gena Carroll and for 14 years by her daughter, Lana Carroll Heylock, earning a reputation for excellence in training and performance.
The University of Akron is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD).
Media contacts:
Sarah Bailey, Dance Institute
Phone: 330-972-7949
Email: sbailey1@uakron.edu
Cristine Boyd, Sr. Director of External Relations, The University of Akron
Phone: 330-972-6476
Email: cboyd@uakron.edu