Roper students get a sneak peek 'Backstage at the Ballet'

Each year, one Lincoln Public Schools elementary school is chosen to participate in Backstage at the Ballet, an educational outreach program through the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company. This year, the ballet company visited Roper Elementary School Dec. 6-8. Students rotated through three stations - choreography, makeup and costuming - during specials time. The event culminated in an abbreviated performance of the "Nutcracker Ballet" on Monday, Dec. 12 in the Roper gym. The performance included several Roper students, who performed part of a dance they learned during their choreography workshop.

“The kids have loved this week,” said Shari True, artistic director for the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company. “We’ve had so much fun, especially in the choreography lessons. They’ve really gotten to try new skills that some of them didn’t even think they could do.”

“The choreography station is my favorite because I really like to dance,” said Estelle, Roper Elementary fifth grade student.

Classmate Judah chimed in, “My brother really enjoyed it yesterday and he made me do the whole entire dance for like an hour and a half last night.”

The Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company’s Backstage at the Ballet program has been inspiring elementary students in Lincoln for more than 33 years.

“I got to learn something new every single day of this week, and I’m just really lucky to have this opportunity at my school,” added Estelle.

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