ORLANDO | The Harriett’s Orlando Ballet Centre officially opened its doors to the public with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Jan. 10.
Complete with multiple dance studios, a 400-seat auditorium that can be converted into a 450-seat ballroom and multiple programs for dancers to choose from, the building was opened with round of applause as the board of directors cut the silver ribbon.
“We’ll have the nicest studios in all of Central Florida and our students will get the opportunity to train in the same place as the professional company, so they can see firsthand what happens if they stick with it and stay diligent in their training,” Executive Director Shane Jewell.
Not only does the building cater to dancers but for anyone in the arts community, according to Artistic Director Robert Hill.
“The fact of having this performance space for not just dance but any kind of event gives a lot more opportunity for all of the arts groups who want to come in and use the space for presentation,” Hill said.
The board of directors also spoke about late Harriett Lake, a local philanthropist and supporter of the arts who the building is dedicated to. Prior to passing away in 2018, Lake donated $5 million dollars to the construction of the new building. As patrons toured the facility, they were reminded of Lake’s legacy and passionate for the craft.
“Harriett has such a deep legacy here in Central Florida and in Orlando,” Jewell said. “Just by the sheer number of people who will enjoy this space and know it all happened because she had a dream and a vision for this company. This is the most historic day in our 45-year history, and it all happened because of Harriett’s passion.”
Hill said he hopes that the building can put Orlando on the map for art and draw people to come see the talent that the students have to offer.
“This means that I can take the organization to the next level I’ve always wanted to take it to, which is international recognition and we are on our way,” Hill said. “This is bringing attention to the arts in a way that extraordinary and I don’t even know how to quantify it except that we are reaching so many more people just by building this building.
One of the most important things about building the facility was making sure it made a strong statement about its permanence as a partner in this community for generations to come, according to Jewell. Making sure the community could also enjoy it as well as those within the art community was vital to its success and growth. And Jewell believes that they are achieving that goal.
“We’ve already announced this will be a new hub for the Fringe festival this year in May and we will be talking with other partners and organizations about how they can utilize the space, so it’s not just for the ballet,” Jewell said. “It really is a facility for the entire community to enjoy.”
Photos by Samantha Neely.
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