OKC Ballet’s Project Plié begins 2nd season assisted by the Kevin Durant Charity Foundation

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – August 4, 2014 – This year Oklahoma City Ballet has introduced professional ballet training to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County through a partnership with American Ballet Theatre’s Project Plié program, aiming to increasing ethnic diversity in ballet dancers and actively supporting interested kids who might not have access to training. The second season of Project Plié launches in August with new support from the Kevin Durant Charity Foundation, making it possible to both increase the number of classes and add more age groups to the program.

From January to May, Project Plié saw students of the Boys & Girls Club participating in classes taught by OKCB company dancer and teacher, Jerry Pines. At the close of the season, five students were awarded one-year scholarships to Oklahoma City Ballet’s professional training program. In July, the scholarship winners also met American Ballet Theatre soloist Misty Copeland, who was discovered at the age of thirteen at her local Boys & Girls Club before going on to become a famous ballerina.

Students JaMya Boyd, Ceniyah Corley, Jaedan Jones, Cynita Williams and Kavi Zuniga, all from Oklahoma City, were awarded scholarships underwritten by the Kevin Durant Charity Foundation to attend The Dance Center of Oklahoma City Ballet school through Project Plie for 2014-2015. The Kevin Durant Charity Foundation is a mission-based organization created to enrich the lives of at-risk youths and homeless families from ages 6-18 through educational, athletic and social program support. For more information about the Kevin Durant Charity Foundation, visit www.kevindurant.com. 

Ballet is a rigorous art form that gives young people many skills to help them achieve success in their lives. Foremost, they learn about discipline and the importance of commitment. Ballet training also reinforces the students’ patience, perseverance, physical precision, and coordination. American Ballet Theatre’s partnership with Oklahoma City Ballet and Boys and Girls Clubs across the country is a movement to change the landscape of the professional dance world and give opportunities to talented youngsters from all backgrounds and cultures.

About Project Plié: Oklahoma City Ballet is one of the founding charter members of Project Plié, American Ballet Theatre’s national program to introduce underserved youth to the art and discipline of ballet. Boys and Girls Club members are mentored and taught free of charge by Oklahoma City Ballet’s professional dancers on their campus. Each year five students from those classes from the Boys & Girls Clubs are awarded 1 year scholarships to Oklahoma City Ballet’s professional training program. Shoes and uniforms are provided by Oklahoma City Ballet. Through the Project Plié program, more students will be enabled to audition for major companies. American Ballet Theatre has established partnerships to develop the Project Plié goals with Ballet San Jose, Orlando Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, Oklahoma City Ballet, Ballet Memphis, Richmond Ballet and Ballet Austin.

The Gayly – August 8, 2014 @ 10:10am