Peter Pan

Rehearsals are underway for Ballet Etudes' 2008 production of Peter Pan. Choreographer Justin Moore has returned to Mesa to set the ballet on the cast, and costume mistress Margaret O'Brien and her staff are creating new costumes for the production. Join us for one of the performances at the Mesa Arts Center on May 16th at 7:30 PM, May 17th at 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM, or Sunday at 2:00 PM. Tickets are $15 and $30 and can be purchased by calling the Mesa Arts Center Box Office at 480.644.6500.

Dancer Profile: Megan Olson

How did you get get involved in ballet and how old were you?
I was in a small jazz company at the age of six and in order to be in this company you had to take ballet classes, too. I became very fond of the ballet classes and started to prefer them over the jazz classes. I looked into Jeannes' ballet program and met Sharon Meko and right then and there I decided to strictly do ballet .


What advice do you have for any young dancers in the valley?
Never give up, never tell yourself that you can't do something, always trust your teachers and be happy with yourself.


What has been the most challenging role you have ever performed?
Cinderella. It tried my stamina because of the length as well as my artistic side because of the character I had to portray. However, I love a challenge and learned a lot from it.


What will you be taking with you after you leave Ballet Etudes?
I have learned so much discipline from ballet like how how to train my brain with consistancy and endurance. I was taught to work with others, both on and off the stage, and also how to set goals and how to push for them. I have learned that you can always get more out of yourself and that you are never finished with learning new things.