YING-CHI LU began dancing at the age of three. Born in New Taipei City, Taiwan, Chi Lu attended her first ballet competition at age 11 and won first place. At age 15, Lu joined the Taipei National University of Arts, a prestigious seven-year program for dance training. The following year, Lu performed a variation from Le Corsaire at the Taiwan National Ballet Competition. She was offered a scholarship to the ballet program at the College Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati. Throughout her four years in this collegiate ballet program, Lu performed numerous outstanding roles such as such as the Blue Variation from Joffrey’s Birthday Variations, Medora from Le Corsaire, the First Shade from La Bayadere and the lead role of Enigma Station, choreographed by Amy Seiwert. This is Lu’s second year with Ballet Spartanburg and is excited for the 22/23 season!
The joyful picture above of children from Sidewalk Hope, an inner-city ministry in Spartanburg, captures the essence and innocence of joy, hope, and the connections that are created when we dance. Sidewalk Hope participated in the 2018 So You Think You Can Dance, Spartanburg! community event, a fundraiser in partnership with 10 local organizations. The picture above reflects opportunity, joy, happiness, dance and above all, who we are as an organization: education, outreach and performance.
The happiness in dancing on stage is reflected in this precious little dancer's eyes and body. Arms open, lights aglow, feet planted firmly on the stage, basking joyfully from a successful performance. This is the feeling we have as we anticipate returning to the stage this October with the premiere of Carlos Agudelo's, The Wizard of Oz. Ballet Spartanburg and its Board of Trustees and staff will monitor and adjust all health and safety precautions as directed by the CDC. We are ready to dance. We are ready to see our audience. We are ready.
Thank you for your continued love and support for 55 years. Onto our 56th season we go! Now follow the yellow brick road and grab your SEASON TICKETS TODAY!