Never underestimate the power of dance.
Creativity can address social issues and the environment, as proven by the Greater Lansing Ballet Company’s production of “Earth’s Lament.”
Barbara Banasikowski Smith, the ballet’s artistic director and choreographer, said she put the show together to celebrate Earth Day.
The premiere consists of original choreography and illustrates how art reflects life and how it and science co-exist. The choreographic moves range from classical to contemporary movement, including abstract and dramatic themes.
“Recently, I was one of 25 artists in the state to receive a Creative Artist Grant, and I wanted to produce a meaningful show with a message,” Smith said.
Smith said she received the grant from ArtServe Michigan FY2002 Creative Artist Grant and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.
“I’m pleased to be the recipient because this is a passion for me,” Smith said. “That’s why people need to understand we have to continue to care for the Earth.”
“Earth Lament,” has three MSU students performing in the dance “Mother Earth,” which is performed by Kelly Mann, a botany and plant pathology graduate student, Angie DeWolf, a kinesiology sophomore and Emily Mitchell, a physiology sophomore.
DeWolf said she portrays a few wild animals, such as a zebra and a bird, in the performance.
“Basically in the show we have two guys searching in the wilderness trying to hunt wild animals,” she said. “Eventually they end up hunting me.”
DeWolf said the ballet is about people destroying the Earth by killing the wild animals.
“We don’t enjoy the Earth anymore- we take it for granted and spend more time watching television,” she said.
Mitchell said doing this ballet was different because it’s a tribute to the Earth.
“This show addresses how Earth was before we started destroying it,” she said. “This show is for the audience and everyone who attends.”
“Earth Lament” runs at 7 p.m. today and 2 p.m. Saturday at the Hannah Community Center Albert A. White Performing Arts Theater, 819 Abbott Road. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for students and seniors and $8 for children.
