Columbia Classical Ballet opens ninth season with Carmina Burana and Jekyll & Hyde
By Lee Lumpkin

Reka Gyuali from Hungary performs tonight in Columbia Classical Ballet's Jekyll & Hyde as Dr. Jekyll's bride. Mikhail Ronnikov from Russia, plays the dual role of Jekyll and Hyde. Both are members of the Columbia Classical Ballet. They maintain residence in Columbia 28 weeks each year. Photo courtesy of Radenko Pavlovich

Columbia Classical Ballet directed by Radenko Pavlovich begins its ninth season October 20, 2006, at 7:30 pm at the Koger Center with two ballets for the price of one, Carmina Burana and Jekyll & Hyde.

Carmina Burana is an unusually haunting dance. Rick McCullough, choreographer, uses the musical score of Carmina Burana , based on the 13th and 14th centuries, to create the aftermath of an atomic explosion. McCullough was trained under the famed Killian when he danced with the Nederlands Ballet Theatre.

McCullough returns after the choreography he brought to the Lifechance Stage in January, 2006.

The never-ending struggle of good versus evil in each of us is the universal theme in the production of Jekyll & Hyde . The renowned Dr. Jekyll becomes his own guinea pig as he searches for a medical miracle with his creation of a chemical potion. That creation leads to a forbidden passion ending in catastrophe.

The Columbia Classical Ballet Company of ten dancers from all over the world is known for its artistic excellence and athleticism, its challenging choreography, and its continued outreach to the community. The dancers performed for middle schoolers October 20 at 10 am through their outreach program sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina.

Call 251-222. Tickets are also available at he door.