What comes to mind when you hear the word “art?” Paintings? Music? Dance?
In Tybee Ballet Theatre’s upcoming production of “From the Minds of Others,” the answer is all three (and then some) as local artists come together to show just how much the arts can do for anyone with a willing heart and an open mind.
“When you create the space, it’s almost like you can just sit back and let people come and thrive. Instead of trying to put borders, you have to kind of create this soft bubble,” TBT Co-Founder Kate Petit said. “In the center of Tybee Ballet Theatre is, to me, that comfy bubble we hold for people that allows them to bring their higher selves.”
Thanks to Co-Founders and Co-Artistic Directors Petit and Britt Bacon, that bubble has grown to include nearly 100 dancers, ranging from complete beginners to ex-professionals, ages 3 to 73 and beyond. Whether it’s the annual “Land of the Sweets” performance or the company’s scholarship fund, the pair have worked tirelessly to create a space where anyone can thrive.
“[Inclusivity] is a constant working organism with the heartbeat of TBT, and it can be a lot more work because we are constantly meeting people where they are, and that is changing every day, every moment, every class,” Bacon said. “It’s definitely a challenge, but trusting the process, I think, has been key for us to make it work.”
That effervescent inclusivity forms the core of “From the Minds of Others,” featuring performances from local dancers, musicians, artists and more.
Tybee Ballet Theatre’s collaborations spotlight inclusivity of artistic mediums
To prepare for the show, choreographers Bacon, Petit, Greta Valeyko, Shana Toney and Emily Liebtag created a series of pieces that the adult company then rehearsed twice a week outside of normal class schedules. Although TBT was in constant contact with the artists, most of them didn’t rehearse with the dancers until closer to opening night. Petit and Bacon said this approach helps keep the energy between artists and dancers fresh, giving audiences a real-time experience of this dynamic creative process.
This dynamic reaches new heights in “Master Improv,” the biggest collaboration included in last year’s production. In this nine-minute performance, a live painter, dancer and saxophonist shared the stage, each improvising their performance. “Master Improv” will return this year with Valeyko, painter Tony Artemesia and musician Brandon Walker, and the resulting artwork will be auctioned off after each show, providing a reminder of a community built on uplifting others.
“It’s a testament to really wrapping our hands around the local talent and local artists who just seem to come to us. We really haven’t had to ask artists to come, so we think that says a lot about the show and the inclusivity of giving back to our community and showing them what’s here and now,” Petit said.
TBT will also auction off the artwork created in “On the Axis: Chapter 2,” a continuation of “On the Axis: Chapter 1,” which premiered at the PULSE Art + Technology Festival earlier this year. “On the Axis: Chapter 2” combines a Bird’s Eye camera, dancers and live painting. Whether you’ve seen the first chapter or not, TBT promises an unmissable performance.
Singing bowls, gongs and dance
While last year’s production included acoustic guitar and drums, this year’s production incorporates a broader variety of music, including singing bowls and gongs. New musicians will also bring their personal experiences and talents to the production, including Tasha and Ryan Beke, Josie Clark, Turner Horton, Sebastian Nañez and Jacilyn Ledford. More video and lighting design will also shed light on a realm of artistry many might not expect.
When distilled into abstract representations, each performance is an invitation into TBT’s creative bubble for a moment of reflection, conversation and, ultimately, a better understanding of the myriad experiences in the world.
“We see pieces of each other on the stage, which is really special because we know each other pretty well, but to share that on a stage with the community is a blessing, it’s a joy, it’s a big step,” Petit said. “It’s definitely a level of vulnerability, too. It’s scary.”
For newer performers and artists, scary might be an understatement. After all, what is art if not a look inside someone else’s mind—and what’s scarier than an audience looking into your thoughts? Perhaps the thought of missing out on a chance to make a difference.
Artistry isn’t just the ability to turn experience into performance, but the power to use that creation to make an impact, the power to overcome fear and lift others.
“Art is inspiring to most everyone,” Bacon said. “I don’t know if I’ve ever met anyone where they don’t find that some sort of art inspiring.”
Just like most everyone can find art inspiring, most everyone can create inspiring art. Petit said her husband learned a lot about performing simply by being immersed in the experience backstage. When he took on a non-dancing role in the “Land of the Sweets,” their friends were inspired to get involved. That connection begins with the individual artist and spreads as the creative process becomes a collective experience during “From the Minds of Others.”
“We’re all here for different reasons but have a common goal of creating this thing, and that thing is usually just a vision, and everyone can come together and forget about their finances or their kids—all these other things going on,” Petit said. “I think it makes us more human and connects us.”
As these artists bring their thoughts and feelings onstage in “From the Minds of Others,” the art world starts to feel less like a constricting box and more like a soft bubble ready to welcome anyone with an eye for the creative.
If You Go >>
What: Tybee Ballet Theatre’s “From the Minds of Others”
When: 7 p.m., Feb. 24, and 3 p.m., Feb. 25
Where: Tybee Post Theater, 10 Van Horne Ave.
Tickets: $20
Info: tybeeposttheater.org