MANSFIELD, Ohio – An evening of dancing, fundraising and horse racing is in store for those planning to attend the first-ever Boots and Ballet event on Saturday, hosted by Neos Dance Theatre and Raemelton Therapeutic Equestrian Center.
The idea to combine dancing with horses came to Neos artistic director and co-founder Bobby Wesner after considering Raemelton as a possible performance space. After brainstorming with Raemelton’s director of operations Tara Corrigan, the idea of hosting a fundraiser on the day of the Kentucky Derby was a natural fit.
“I liked that Raemelton was a farm and that it has such a historical aspect and tie-in to the community, that was really attractive before I even saw the place,” said Wesner. “When I saw it, the idea of this big, open and cavernous space, I just saw that there could be so much happening within the area and we tried to capitalize on using the space.”
“This year will be the learning curve for us, and next year will hopefully be bigger and better,” said Corrigan.
Boots and Ballet will host bidding and fundraising games, food and drink, a VIP lounge, and interactive experiences with the horses. Kentucky Derby coverage will be projected onto a large screen in the arena throughout the evening, and a team of aerialists from the Oberlin area will showcase their talents. A performance by Neos Dance Theatre will conclude the evening’s entertainment.
Though bringing together dancing and horses might seem unorthodox, Wesner believes it’s a natural fit.
“Growing up I used to ride horses quite a bit, and you have this same sense of equilibrium, of balance, stretch, and coordination while you’re riding a horse that you also use as a dancer,” said Wesner. “I have felt those sensations on both sides, so for me I do see a lot of parallels between the two. And horses are beautiful, muscular animals and when you watch a dancer you see the muscularity and physicality of dance as well.”
Doors to Boots and Ballet will open at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 2 at Raemelton Therapeutic Equestrian Center, located at 569 South Trimble Road in Mansfield. Raemelton was founded in 1995 as a non-profit organization dedicated to providing therapeutic riding for the handicapped, and now serves more than 90 students per week in equine-assisted activities and therapies.
Located on the grounds of a former equestrian estate, Boots and Ballet will primarily take place inside Raemelton’s indoor riding hall with heated viewing room.
“I’m hoping the crowd comes out and enjoys seeing what Raemelton is all about,” said Corrigan. “I’m really looking forward to partnering with another organization in the community.”
An announcement of raffle winners and a meet and greet with the artists of Neos will end the evening. Neos Dance Theatre is made up of young artists classically trained in ballet and passionate about new and contemporary dance. Wesner said Saturday’s performance fits perfectly with the theatre’s mission to develop and serve audiences within Northern Ohio and become an ambassador of dance for the region.
All ticket sales and proceeds from fundraising activities will benefit both Neos Dance Theatre and Raemelton. Tickets are $50 for VIP, $25 for general admission, and $10 for students and can be purchased online at NeosDanceTheatre.org, at the door one hour before the event begins, or on EventBrite.com.
