The Royale Dance Theatre at Artpark

 The "mad" scene.  Michelle Lucci, prima ballerina and
former student of the Royale Dance Academy with Eddie Myers

Act II of Giselle at Artpark  Jill Squitieri as Myrtha

T

         It was the week after a major ballet company performed “Astarte” at Artpark that the Royale Dance Theatre was privileged to perform for an entire week.  Thrilled at the prospect of the invitation, I prepared the dancers and guest artists for a total of five productions.  Our guest artist from the Pennsylvania Ballet company thought I was crazy.  Five ballets in one week, and only three months to prepare?  Giselle and Swan Lake  were performed with prima ballerina Michelle Lucci in the leading roles.  Coppelia was performed with Beth Muerle as Swanhilda.   We did highlights of La Fille Mal Gardée and last but not least, The Psalms.  All productions were of excellent quality and well received, except The Psalms.  The atheists were furious.  They approved of the music and the dance, but the message?  How dare we?  During the ballet, I proclaimed that Jesus was the Lord of the Dance and that the Royale Dance Theatre was dedicating dance, music and drama for His Glory. 

      My name appeared on the front page of the community section of the news, criticizing me for my audacity to use theater for this proclamation.  Strange that no one objected to a presentation of a ballet elaborating incest between a father and son, but when a ballet glorifies God, we have no right.  I often sought the true purpose of the theater and especially dance until one Sunday when I heard the words, “All things were created by God for His Glory.”  Even the great founder of the Royal Danish Ballet, August Bournonville  was aware of this.  He often quoted that “The purpose of dance and the theater in general is to lift the soul and strengthen the spirit.” 

                The arts are a powerful tool for good or evil. Writers, directors, actors, film-makers and teachers of fine arts have a tremendous responsibility to use their God-given talents to bring joy, educate, entertain and to inspire.