OKLAHOMA CITY BALLET
EXPANDS THROUGH BUILDING
DONATION AND PURCHASE
Oklahoma City Ballet
announced in February, 2017, the acquiring of two facilities to expand the mission and
reach of the organization, which works to present the finest in
classical and contemporary dance to Oklahoma City. The ballet company’s
current building was recently donated to the organization from
Chesapeake Energy Corporation. In addition, the Ballet is under contract
to purchase the American Energy Partners Fitness Center to serve as the
organization’s new home for the professional company, administrative
offices, and its school, The Dance Center of Oklahoma City Ballet.
The new facility will increase the organization’s available space
from 8,000 square feet and three studios to more than 28,000 square feet
with the potential for nine studios.
“These buildings, and this expansion, will usher in a new era for
this company,” said Executive Director Shane Jewell. “We are celebrating
our 45th anniversary season which is an incredible benchmark for the
organization, but to take this company to a new level, we needed to
secure larger facilities. We are honored to grow the arts and culture of
Oklahoma City, and these acquisitions are significant milestones in
that effort.”
The Ballet’s current location will become overflow for dance classes
and the organization’s costume and prop shop, with flexibility to change
to meet the needs of the company in the future.
“We’re experiencing a good problem – our organization is running out
of space as we serve more students at our school and elevate the quality
of our performances,” said Jewell. “This building donation enables us
to free up administrative costs and dedicate them to other expenses,
allowing us to focus on being one of the premier ballet companies in the
country. We could not be more grateful to Chesapeake for their
support.”
Gordon Pennoyer, Chesapeake’s Director of Communications &
Investor Relations said, “Chesapeake is pleased to support Oklahoma City
Ballet and the high-caliber performances and arts education it shares
with our community.”
Part of the Ballet’s mission is to bring ballet to those who would
not otherwise have the opportunity to see or participate in ballet
classes and performances. ArtsReach, Project Plié, BalletReach,
BalletKids Club, and Golden Swans are some of the programs that support
the mission. The added resource of additional space will be integral to
the growth of these programs.
“With the purchase of this iconic building and the gift of their
current studios, Oklahoma City Ballet will be transformed,” said Larry
Nichols, a past President of the Oklahoma City Ballet Board of Trustees.
“The Ballet will have facilities that match the exceptional quality of
performance and instruction happening in the company,” added Sally
Nichols Starling, board President-Elect. “The School will be able to
increase its enrollment. The Ballet’s outreach capabilities will be
able to grow with the additional space. The entire community of
Oklahoma City will benefit from a thriving and vibrant Oklahoma City
Ballet.”
“In short, Oklahoma City Ballet acquiring these buildings is
transformative,” commented Artistic Director Robert Mills. “We are a
performing arts organization that already attracts dancers from all over
the world to dance in our company. Plus we have the industry’s leading
choreographers represented in our repertoire. Our school is flourishing
and our community outreach is strong. Now that we have firm footing
underneath us with the procurement of these buildings, I am even
more excited for the future and our ability to serve Central
Oklahoma even better than before with additional classes and educational
experiences in dance for youth. We at Oklahoma City Ballet are
incredibly grateful to our supporters and to our community.”
The sale of the new facility, located at 6800 North Classen Blvd, closed on February 15. The company intends to use the new space
starting in June 2017 with the Summer Intensive Training Program. For
more information, please visit
www.okcballet.org.
Courtesy of Oklahoma City Ballet
