They formed friendships during their childhood and teen years, and over the past year, Caitlin Phibbs, Rosalind Jones and Carlee Chastagner have built on that foundation as they move the Colton Ballet Company into its future.
“It’s been a great year. I would not have survived without their support,” said Phibbs, Colton’s artistic director, who stepped into that role after Zanne Colton’s retirement after last year’s spring performance.
Chastagner serves as the ballet mistress, and Jones is the company’s wardrobe mistress. All three danced at Colton while Phibbs spent some time in the Charleston area after college before returning home.
At 7 p.m. Saturday, Colton Ballet Company will present “Float” at the Imperial Theatre. For tickets, go here.
The past year has had its share of challenges. Not only did they have to explore their new roles and settle into them, they were faced with the hurricane and the devastation of the area near the Walton Way studio that resulted in disruptions with “Nutcracker” rehearsals.
Despite the delays, the annual holiday ballet fared well Thanksgiving weekend with a generous helping hand from Zanne Colton.
Chastagner said the approach to “Nutcracker” is more compartmentalized in its rehearsal framework.
The spring show follows Zanne Colton’s established pattern of a repertory program, and Chastagner said she feels it’s given her and Phibbs the best opportunity to grow together.
“We’ve been by each other’s side the whole time during rehearsals, and we’ve gotten to work closer together,” she said.
What’s different about this spring show — besides the featured pieces —is its focus.
“We’re really highlighting the company,” Phibbs said. “In the past, we’ve really highlighted our guest dancers. They’re (the company dances) are dancing four pieces. There are seven total. They are so talented. They’ve put in so many hours of training weekly.”
Phibbs, Peter Powlus and Olivia Waldrop choreographed the four new pieces.
Phibbs said she’s also enjoyed working with Waldrop, senior dance instructor at the University of South Carolina and Colton alumna. The two danced together for several years and have maintained that connection.
Guest performers include Madison Ryan and John Mingle of the Alabama Ballet performing ”Don Quixote” and Amanda Hulen’s “Saudade Amore,” and Ephraim Fowler and Avery Jarrard performing Phibbs’ “Dark Passenger.” Fowler and Jarrard performed as Trepak and the Mouse King in the “Nutcracker.”
As they look ahead toward next season, the trio sees the relationship among leadership continuing to strengthen.
“It’s coming together really well. We share the same goals,” said Jones.
Phibbs said she’d like to find more performance opportunities for the dance students and envisions a children’s ballet in the spring in coming years.
The school will offer ballet workshops this summer, and Phibbs will teach a choreography class for more experienced dancers.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for more than 35 years. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
