Productions by the Savannah Ballet Theater. Savannah Ballet Theater has received the largest grant since its founding in 1998. The $52,000 grant from the City of Savannah Arts and Culture Enrichment program as well as a $5,000 from the Georgia Council for the Arts will support SBT’s educational outreach programs.
SBT’s mission is to “develop and showcase the talent of dedicated Savannah dancers and to engage in educational outreach and promotion of the art of dance within our community.” According to their press release, they are the first professional arts organization in Savannah to offer innovative and accessible low-sensory experiences. Their commitment community is demonstrated in their education and outreach programs that include providing subsidized tickets and transportation for performances.
For many children with no other exposure to the arts, viewing a live theatrical performance can open up a world of imagination.
The first African American woman to be named principal dancer for American Ballet Theatre, Misty Copeland, has said discovering ballet changed her life. Finding ballet was like finding this missing piece of myself, she shared.
Unfortunately, those magical experiences have been hindered over the past year during the COVID-19 pandemic with venues shuttering for several months or more.
But as a return to normalcy appears on the horizon, artists are excited for new opportunities to reach their audiences.