'12 Dancing Princesses' ballet brings enchanting fairy tale to ������ý Eastern this October

The beloved fairy tale of “12 Dancing Princesses” will come to life at this fall for a special one-night-only performance.

Youth Ballet Company will present its original ballet adaptation of the enchanting story at 7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 27, in the Shannon Hall Theater.

“We are thrilled to welcome the Oglebay Institute Youth Ballet to our stage for this year’s fall production,” said Richard W. Greenlee, interim dean of campus and community relations. “Events like this bring together our students, faculty, and the wider community in celebration of the arts. Hosting these talented young dancers at OHIO Eastern not only highlights their hard work and creativity but also reinforces our commitment to supporting cultural experiences that enrich our region.”

The ballet tells the mysterious and magical story of 12 princesses, each more beautiful than the last, who sleep in 12 beds in the same room. Each night, their doors are locked securely by their father, yet every morning their shoes are worn through as if they have been dancing all night. Through expressive choreography and captivating music, the story unfolds, revealing the secret world behind the princesses’ nightly adventures.

Oglebay Institute Director of Dance Cheryl Pompeo said, “Kids get excited about the characters and music they know but get to see the story presented in new and interesting ways. They are introduced to the beauty of dance and observe how dance can be used as a means of self-expression and storytelling.”

About 50 young dancers, ages 6 through 18, make up Oglebay Institute’s Youth Ballet Company. Hand-selected by their teachers for their dedication and talent, these students balance rigorous training with performances. Company members commit to two major shows each year, the fall ballet and the holiday production of "The Nutcracker," in addition to weekly classes and community outreach.

Six choreographers from Oglebay Institute’s School of Dance collaborated to bring this production to life: Kristin Carson, Kathleen Gottus, Kimberlee Kafana, Rebecca Edgell Moore, and Maria Wood, along with Pompeo. Together they selected the music, designed the costumes, and developed the choreography that brings the fairy tale to the stage.

Pompeo emphasized that the show is appropriate for all ages and offers a “wonderful way for families to spend quality time together engaging in the arts.”

“12 Dancing Princesses” is part of Oglebay Institute’s Children’s Theater Season and will be followed by the Youth Ballet’s holiday performance of "The Nutcracker," at ������ý Eastern in December.

Tickets can be purchased at , by calling 304.242.7700, or at the door if available. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.