Bristol Ballet Celebrates Ribbon Cutting and New Chapter During 78th Season

BRISTOL, Va. — Bristol Ballet invites the community to celebrate an exciting new chapter during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, August 29, at 5:00 p.m. at its home, located at 330 Buford Street, Bristol, VA 24201.

The event marks the completion of significant renovations to the ballet's facility, including a brand-new lobby and dressing room spaces, as Bristol Ballet continues to grow into the building it purchased four years ago. Community members, supporters, local officials, and arts advocates are invited to join the celebration and see the improvements firsthand.

The ribbon cutting comes on the heels of a remarkable 77th season that showcased Bristol Ballet's continued growth in education, community outreach, and artistic excellence. Under the leadership of Artistic and Development Director Amanda Hairston and Artistic and School of Ballet Director Moira Frazier Ostrander, the organization experienced approximately 15 percent growth in student enrollment while expanding outreach programming into three school systems and launching a new partnership with Girls Inc.

"Our growth reflects the incredible support of our students, families, donors, and the greater Bristol community," said Amanda Hairston. "This ribbon cutting celebrates not only improvements to our home, but also Bristol Ballet's continued commitment to providing exceptional dance education and inspiring performances for generations to come."

Throughout the 77th season, Bristol Ballet achieved several significant milestones, including:
● A sold-out spring production of The Wizard of Oz and sold-out performances of The Nutcracker.
● The naming of The Hayes Nutcracker in honor of title sponsors Dan and Barbie "Hayes" Spinazzola, the first $10,000 title sponsors in Bristol Ballet's history.
● Continued regional outreach performances across Southwest Virginia, bringing ballet to audiences throughout Russell, Dickenson, and Wise counties.
● Expanded programming for all ages, including new tap classes, a growing adult dance program, and classes beginning as young as 12 months old.
● Growth of its faculty with the addition of new instructors and administrative staff to support increasing enrollment.

Bristol Ballet also welcomed Broadway performer and former guest artist Jace Coronado as instructor for its Advanced Summer Intensive and participated in the inaugural Keith Lee Dance Summit, strengthening relationships with arts organizations across Virginia.

As one of downtown Bristol's cornerstone arts organizations, Bristol Ballet remains dedicated to enriching the region through quality dance education, professional-caliber performances, and meaningful community engagement.

Now entering its 78th season, Bristol Ballet looks forward to building on its legacy while continuing to inspire dancers and audiences throughout the region.

Ribbon Cutting Event
Date: Saturday, August 29
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Location: Bristol Ballet, 330 Buford Street, Bristol, VA 24201
The public is invited to attend.

Media Contact
Amanda Hairston
Artistic and Development Director, Bristol Ballet
Email: ahairston@bristolballet.org