Ballet Oklahoma faces an uncertain future as reports of financial woes and dwindling public support continue to echo throughout the community.
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By the end of the 2007-08 season, Ballet Oklahoma had incurred a debt in excess of $400,000. Through fundraising and the selling of some assets, that debt has now been erased. Approximately $1 million would be needed to fund the company’s 2008-09 season.
“Chesapeake Energy Corporation has agreed to purchase the Ballet Oklahoma studio on Classen Blvd. which would allow the company to remain there for two years,” said Ballet Oklahoma board member Phil Clayton. “Board members have also agreed to loan the company approximately $250,000. The ballet’s warehouse on Western would be used as collateral against the loan.
“One of the problems Ballet Oklahoma had was that Bryan Pitts wore two hats: artistic director and general manager,” Clayton said. “Being both was a Herculean task. Then when we found out that Bryan’s wife Laura was battling cancer, it was clear he would ne ed to spend more time with his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of them.”
Robert Mills, a principal dancer with Ballet Oklahoma from 1994 to 1998 and from 2001 to 2004, has been approached about serving as interim artistic director. From 2004 to 2007, Mills served as artistic director of Colorado’s Ballet Nouveau.
The Ballet Oklahoma board will meet Monday to discuss the company’s future. Under consideration is a possible merger between Ballet Oklahoma and Tulsa Ballet. Should that happen, Tulsa Ballet would perform under the name Ballet Oklahoma for its Oklahoma City performances and as Tulsa Ballet in Tulsa. The School of Ballet Oklahoma would continue to operate as a separate organization.
During the second year of the merger, a group of about 10 Oklahoma City-based dancers would tour the state as part of an educational outreach program. By year three, there wo uld be a single board of directors and one name for the new organization.
“Tulsa Ballet came to us being in a very strong position,” Clayton said. “They have a great deal of money in the bank and they’re a polished organization. From a business perspective, it would be easy to argue in their favor.
“But we don’t plan to make a rash decision. I’ve received many supportive letters from people in the community who stated how important Ballet Oklahoma is to the community. I’m hoping that a decision can be made to give Ballet Oklahoma another chance.”
“I think the possibility of being able to revitalize the ballet still exists,” Mills said. “In talking to people in the community, I’ve heard nothing but excitement about a change in the organization. I hope to have the chance to bring audiences something new, fresh and different. As long as that can be sustained, I think the whole community will be on board.”
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Its important that we support are arts organizations here in OKC. We are Nationally recognized NBA team, we should work just as hard to have a Nationally reconized Ballet Company. This would not be a merge! This would be more of a take over! The dancers that are employed by Ballet Oklahoma would all loose their jobs. Also any money raised here for the ballet would go back to Tulsa to support the Tulsa Ballet. This can not happen. The community must support its company. Keep Ballet Oklahoma Going!!!
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