Columbia Classical Ballet members dance outside the box in...LIFECHANCE
By Anne-Kathryn Flanagan Anne@TheColumbiaStar.com

Photo by Anne-Kathryn Flanagan Rick McCullough perfects two dancers'movements while rehearsing for the debut of his piece Exception to the Corollary.

What started during the war in Bosnia as a way to honor kids in danger, has become Columbia's cultural event of the season. LifeChance, Gala of

the Stars brings dancers from all over the country and world to showcase an evening of contemporary, modern, and classical ballet. LifeChance gives audiences an evening filled with artistry and dance while benefitting local charities.

This year's sponsors Fisher Communications and The City of Forest Acres contributed directly to The Ronald McDonald House. For every ticket sold, $1 goes to the Ronald McDonald House, too.

"Having the sponsors donate directly to the cause is a new concept, but it's a direction non- profits go when they benefit other non- profits," said Lee Lumpkin, chairman of the board of the Columbia Classical Ballet.

A silent auction takes place before performances and will feature works from local artists and unique auction items. The proceeds from the silent auction help make LifeChance possible.

Photo by Anne Kathryn Flanagan

Last year, stars from Cincinatti, Las Vegas, and Philadelphia came to the event. Dancers also flew in from the Netherlands and Japan.

This year, 14 dancers from around the country, some of whom recently moved to the U.S. from other countries, will perform in LifeChance. Each dancer will bring his or her own style and energy to the event.

Getting people to come to Columbia from all over the world may seem like a difficult task, but not for Radenko Pavlovich, artistic director of the Columbia Classical Ballet.

"Pavlovich has international connections. All he has to do is telephone people and ask them to comeL,"i fseaCidh aLnucmepkin. allows the dancers and choreographers to showcase all types of ballet. For example, Rick McCullough is choreographing a contemporary piece.

"People want to see new things,"said Lumpkin. "I happen to be a fan of the classical, but I am intrigued by the contemporary style."

In addition to the other performances, choreographer Rick McCulEloxucgehpt iwoinll t od eCbourot lhlaisr yp iece .

"This show won't have tutus in it," said McCullough. "The dancers are very athletic. The movements are fast, and they [the dancers] must show great flexibility. The piece is contemporary and is supposed to be abstract. It will complement the rest of the show."

McCullough has been working with the dancers from the Columbia Classical Ballet, but will return to his job as assistant professor in the dance department at Florida State University. McCullough will return right before the show to make final adjustments to the piece.

"I am like the composer, and Radenko is the conductor who takes my place while I am gone," said McCullough.

McCullough hopes people will be energized after watching his piece. He wants the audience to feel like dancing and question everything they saw.

"Columbia has a real treasure. There's nothing like live theater," said McCullough. The dancers from around the world and the Columbia Classical ballet put in countless hours preparing for their performances. Choreographers tweak costumes, movements and music right until the curtain rises. However, these are a few factors that make events like LifeChance possible. The direction and vision of Radenko Pavlovich makes the show come together.

Pavlovich takes dancers with insurmountable talent from all over the world and perfects their craft for the people of Columbia. The Columbia Classical Ballet puts on performaLinfecCehsa nthceroughout the year, but is one of the most anticipated events.

The show continues to amaze audiences and benefit children and charities in need.

"Every year we ask ourselves, is it worth it? But we think of the loss the city would suffer if we didn't have it," said Lee Lumpkin.

LifeChance, Gala of the Stars will be Saturday, January 26 at the Koger Center. The silent auction begins at 6:30 pm, and the show starts at 7:30 pm. Call 251-2222 for tickets or visit www.columbiaclassicaballet. org.

Rick McCullough

Rick McCullough, choreographer, has performed with the Netherlands Dance Theater, danced soloist roles with the Harkness Ballet of New York, and with the North Carolina Dance Theater.

He has received five choreographic fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and choreographers' fellowships from Pennsylvania Arts Council, North Carolina Arts Council and Dance Magazine.

McCullough is currently an assistant professor in the Dance Department at Florida State University.

McCullough previously worked with three of the dancers in the Columbia Classical Ballet and once again returns for his third year with LifeChance. McCullough and the Columbia Classical Ballet will perform his new piece Exception to the Corollary, which he hopes will inspire and move the audience.