Ballet to have Spring Gala

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Congressman Tim Ryan, Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams and WYTV news anchor Stan Boney will be among the guest dancers when Ballet Western Reserve presents its Spring Gala at 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday at Powers Auditorium, downtown.

Tickets are $12 ($8 for 17 and under; $15 for VIP loge). Call 330-744-1934.

The Gala traditionally showcases the talents of the more than 150 BWR students. This year, under the direction of interim artistic director Stas Kmiec, the event has been designed to appeal to an audience beyond friends and family.

The Gala will feature a salute to Broadway musicals, including “The King and I,” “West Side Story” and “Phantom of the Opera,” as well as a nod to the Oscar-winning film “Black Swan.”

“Dance is all-encompassing, and this performance will not only celebrate the rich tradition of the organization’s reputation as a premier training facility of dance education, but will showcase the many styles our school offers,” said Kmiec.

Youngstown State University music students and other local arts organizations will participate in the show. Fashion designer Nanette Lepore, a Youngstown native, has donated 12 of her designs to be worn by BWR dancers.