Guest blogger Danielle Marie Georgiou is a Dance Lecturer at the University of Texas at Arlington where she serves as the Assistant Director of the UT Arlington’s Dance Ensemble. She is also a member of Muscle Memory Dance Theatre – a modern dance collective. Danielle is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Arts and Humanities at UT Dallas, and her first book, The Politics of State Public Arts Funding, is out now.

Ballet Concerto celebrates its legacy this weekend, marking its 40th anniversary with the 26th presentation of its Summer Dance Concert. Always delighting the audience with precise technique and spot-on performances, this year’ show should continue the trend.

The highlight is the world premiere of Bruce Marks’ Straight from the Heart. Marks is one of America’s premier ballet artistic directors, teachers and choreographers, and Ballet Concerto has been collaborating with him for years. It will be interesting to see what he creates for them this year.

The concert also includes works by noted Spanish dancer Luis Montero – who will restage his celebrated Bolero, which was choreographed for Ballet Concerto in 1990 – and Christine Marie Hay, longtime resident choreographer of the troupe. She will return to restage her flashy and exuberant ballet Let the Good Times Roll. It just sounds like fun and a great way to start the summer! Plus, I’ve seen Hay’s work before, and it was absolutely enjoyable. It will be a pleasure to see it again.

Ushering in summer, the concert is outdoors and calls for lounging around on blankets and picnicking with family and friends. The Ballet Concerto will provide concessions, but feel free to bring your own appetizers. The best part is: it’s free!