Springfield Ballet
Celebrates Transition
to
Professional Dance Company,
School Opening
with inaugural performance
The Little Mermaid
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Whitney Barnes
217.638.3543
September 24, 2022 evernowmedia@gmail.com
(Springfield, IL) Springfield Ballet, now in its 47th season, is proud to announce their transition to a professional ballet company and associated school to be celebrated by their inaugural performance ‘The Little Mermaid’.
“This is a new day for dance in Springfield,” said Executive Director, Scott Raper. “We are thrilled to share the transformation of the Springfield Ballet into a professional organization and the opening of the official School of Springfield Ballet that will serve as our foundation as the company continues to evolve.”
The company has hired nine professional dancers from all over the United States, along with six leading dancers from the Philippines where Artistic Director Adam Sage served as Associate Artistic Director for Ballet Philippines for four years.
“The company has built an amazing foundation and I am excited for the opportunity to help take it to the next level here in Central Illinois,” Sage said. “We aren’t just working to make Springfield a cultural performance destination, but we also want to develop talent and attract more students, investment and tourism to the area.”
“The training and talent have both been impressive," said Soloist, Hannah Adamczak, who will be dancing the titular role of the Little Mermaid for the October 1 shows. "It is great to be able to share my skills and experience with the local community.”
The school’s curriculum focuses on both technique and artistry.
SSB student Lydia Repscher had some initial concerns about working with professionals, but is now happier than ever to come to rehearsal. “I am not only taking classes from professional dancers - I’m dancing with them on stage,” she said. “It’s a dream come true to be able to see the professional dancers rehearse up close.”
A native of Springfield, Ballet Mistress and School Director Caitlin Helton Scherer grew up performing in the company and went on to dance professionally. Her new role in the organization has afforded her the opportunity to share her wealth of professional knowledge with a new generation.
“I have danced a lot of places, but Springfield is my home, and the place where I am raising my children,” said Helton Scherer. “After working and living in other cities, I am excited to be back here and create more cultural opportunities for people of all ages in my hometown.”
Springfield Ballet’s inaugural performance ‘The Little Mermaid’ is debuting at the University of Illinois Springfield Performing Arts Center on October 1, 2022 with shows at 2 pm and 7 pm.
Choreographed by Sage with music by Leo Delibes and Anton Dvorak, the show features lavish costumes designed by Sage himself with CGI graphics by South African graphic designer Kirstin Cumming.
Local dancers from all experience levels will delight audiences in the Little Mermaid’s grotto.
“We are so proud of the work our students and professionals have put into this performance and are excited to share it with our amazing, arts-supporting community,” said Raper.
Tickets can be purchased at the UIS PAC box office or online at uispac.com. Contact Executive Director Scott Raper at scott@springfieldballetco.org or by calling 217-544-1967. Springfield Ballet is a 501(c)3 not for profit organization. Find out more at: www.springfieldballetco.com
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ON TOUR!
October 8, 2022 7pm & October 9, 2022 2pm
Five Points, Washington Illinois

Springfield Ballet's New Home!
The third floor of the building at 401 East Washington Street in the Central Springfield Historic District will be the new home of the ballet company’s studios, administrative offices, and newly formed School of Springfield Ballet.
The 7,500 square-foot space on the third floor at 401 East Washington Street will include 3 dance studios, administrative offices, a lounge area, a costume shop, and dressing rooms.
SBC will open its doors for business at the new location this June, with its first offerings being the 2022 Summer Intensive for intermediate and advanced dancers, along with summer camps designed specifically for younger dancers.
Springfield Ballet Company is a non-profit, civic ballet company dedicated to bringing professional-quality performances, and professional training for dancers in an inclusive environment, while enriching the lives of the surrounding communities.
