Ballet Magnificat comes to Winchester

Published 10:11 am Monday, March 5, 2018

Spread throughout the various studios at Dancer’s Pointe, young dancers were learning about technique, style and practicing plies Sunday.

About 45 dancers ages 8 and up participated in the Ballet Magnificat Dancer Workshop hosted at the local studio.

Dancers received three classes and had the option to stay for a free Creative Worship class. Dancers were divided into beginner, intermediate and advanced groupings and took classes focusing on technique, jazz, pointe, conditioning, variations and contemporary style.

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Alpha company members from faith-based the troupe, Ballet Magnificat, taught the dancers. Ballet Magnificat is headquartered in Jackson, Mississippi. Winchester native and 2009 George Rogers Clark graduate Catherine Martin is also a member of the Alpha company. The company performed at Eastern Kentucky University Saturday and stayed to teach the workshop Sunday.

Student apprentice with the alpha company Ashley Helsel said it was a pleasure to be in Winchester.

“We love sharing our heart for ballet and our heart for the Lord,” Helsel said.

Helsel said she was excited to teach because she was inspired by professional dancers who taught her when she was younger. “Ballet is hard,” Helsel said. “So, seeing someone achieve a high level helps you continue to work hard…I continued with ballet because I saw what I aspired to be.”

Helsel said she loves sharing her love of ballet with the kids.

“We come here to inspire them,” Helsel said. “But they also inspire us.”

About Lashana Harney

Lashana Harney is a reporter for The Winchester Sun. Her beats include schools and education, business and commerce, Winchester Municipal Utilities and other news. To contact her, email lashana.harney@winchestersun.com or call 859-759-0015.

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