OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The board of directors of Ballet Oklahoma has rejected a possible merger with Tulsa Ballet and instead voted overwhelmingly in favor of a proposal to reinvent the Oklahoma City-based organization.
A third option, one that would result in the dissolution of Ballet Oklahoma, was also voted down at the board’s meeting on Monday.
“I think most of the people who attended this meeting were hoping that a reinvention of the organization would be the outcome,” said Ballet Oklahoma board member Phil Clayton. “We’re very grateful for Tulsa Ballet’s presentation, their spirit and their continued goodwill towards resolving this issue.”
Robert Mills, a former Ballet Oklahoma dancer who has also served as artistic director of Colorado’s Ballet Nouveau, has been named interim artistic director.
Mills outlined a schedule of four productions for the 2008-09 season, but $1.1 million must be raised before Ballet Oklahoma can proceed.
“The scope of next year’s season or any seasons thereafter is going to depend on the community at this point,” Clayton said. “All options to save Ballet Oklahoma will remain on the table. During the past few weeks, I’ve received a great deal of e-mails and phone calls in support of Ballet Oklahoma, but at this point, it all comes down to funding.”
By the end of the 2007-08 season, Ballet Oklahoma had incurred a debt in excess of $400,000. Through fundraising and the selling of some assets, that debt has now been erased.
No timeline was discussed as to when any decision about a 2008-09 season will be forthcoming.
Ballet Oklahoma receives a portion of its annual operating budget from the Allied Arts Foundation.
Anyone wishing to donate money should call the Ballet Oklahoma offices.
Loading ...
All Articles