The ballet will examine the realities of bigotry, prejudice and hate – rooted in fear and ignorance, then provide a view of the marginal progress we’ve made in issues of tolerance and racial equality.

The Columbia City Ballet is producing a new, full-length, multimedia ballet in the upcoming 2016-2017 performance season.  It is important that South Carolina take the lead in bringing the messages of healing and racial harmony which came out of the senseless tragedy at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston to the foreground. South Carolina must have an active voice in the national conversation about racial equality. Dispelling the notion of the south as being an incubator for intolerance and bigotry is only one of the many sub-messages to be embodied in this new artistic work. Both the City of Columbia and Richland County Councils have set aside additional funding specifically for this world premiere ballet. Supporting themes of transcendence and forgiveness, and entitled Emanuel 9, the ballet will premier in April of 2017 as an homage to the indomitable human spirit.

The ballet will examine the realities of bigotry, prejudice and hate – rooted in fear and ignorance, then provide a view of the marginal progress we’ve made in issues of tolerance and racial equality. Ultimately, the ballet will end with hope, harmony and love, by presenting what we can attain and what our lives will look like as we reach true equality. Mr. Starrett will create this multimedia dance work, for use as a tool in bringing healing to tragic situations. In addition, the ballet will include healing messages from our political and spiritual leaders of the present and past, including the Reverend Dr. Betty Deas Clark, Pastor of Emanuel A.M.E. Church who has agreed to serve on the Board of Directors of the Columbia City Ballet. Executive and Artistic Director, William Starretts’ hope is to connect the dots he sees artistically between this shocking event and the lessons learned from the tragedy which can be used to transcend prejudice and celebrate unity and forgiveness. Through dance, music, and other media, Emanuel 9 will help us see how we are more alike than different. As a result of its messages of forgiveness, kindness, love and understanding, the ballet will help us come together in peace. Promoting inclusiveness, the art will unite us as we embrace all that we can achieve together. Starrett is hopeful that this work can become a national expression of the everlasting power of the lives of these South Carolinians. Emanuel 9 will represent a continuation of Columbia City Ballets’ leadership role in promoting diversity in the arts and in its productions.