By james art 
Contributed by Stephen Manion
South Carolina’s ballet will present Romeo and Juliet February 8, with performances at 15 and 7:30 pm at the Coger Art Center. This production will include live music performed by the newly formed South Carolina Ballet Orchestra, under the direction of conductor Scott Weiss. It is organized by the CEO and the artistic director of the company William Staret.
Starrett for the first time brought his vision for Romeo and Juliet On the stage in 1985, this latest production continues its inheritance from mixing Shakespeare’s harmless tale with ballet. The history of young lovers, caught between enmity families, unfolds through expressive choreography, covering passionate duets, dramatic sword battles and a heartbreaking finish.
The main dancers Claire Rap, like Juliet, and Joshua van Dyke, like Romeo, take on these demanding roles with aplomb. Rap was praised for his previous portrait of Juliet in the 2021-2022 season. Van Dyke, who presented himself as Romeo in the 2021-2022 season, will repress his role, which promises another dynamic and powerful performance.
Staret says, “Since history is perhaps Shakespeare’s most famous work, performers need both incredible acting and dramatic skills and a greater degree of maturity of efficiency.”
Thanks to the generosity of a small group of local philanthropists, the ballet in South Carolina has achieved a long -standing goal in the formation of the South Carolina Ballet Orchestra. Conductor Scott Weiss gathered musicians from all over the region to perform the result of Sergei Prokofiev. Dr Weiss is the music director and conductor of the symphony of Aiken and director of orchestras at the University of South Carolina. For tickets and more information, visit Kogercenterforthearts.com or telephone 803-251-2222. Founded in 1961 as a Columbia City ballet, South Carolina’s ballet is committed to delivering exceptional ballet performances that entertain, inspire and enrich the community. With an emphasis on artistic achievements, innovation and inclusion, the ballet in South Carolina continues to delight the audience throughout the country with world -class productions.