Fairies (Left to right) Crystal Humphrey, Autumn Fairy, Megan Swaffer, Winter Fairy, Carrie McDowell, Spring Fairy, Carah McCullough, Summer Fairy

Fan Dancers (Left to right) Amanda Pierson, Dawson White, Shelby Hoofnagle

Emily Fansler, Fairy Godmother

Jordan Francisco, Cinderella and Jacob Garret (Houston Ballet), Prince Charming

Jacob Garret, "Prince Charming" special guest artist from Houston Ballet.

Carrie McDowell, Crystal Humphrey, Carah McCullough, Megan Swaffer and Jordan Francisco are among the cast for "Cindrella." Courtesy/Kaye Lewis

Come join the Midwest Regional Ballet, in a magical world of fantasy and romance, as they present the enchanting tale of Cinderella.

This year the Midwest Regional Ballet celebrates it’s fifth season of bringing quality and entertaining ballets, such as “Dracula”, “The Wizard of Oz”, “The Nutcracker,” and most recently this holiday season “The Phantom,” to the Four State area. This timeless story will be brought to the historical Coleman Theatre in Miami, Okla.

The role of Cinderella will be danced by a native Miami resident, Jordan Francisco. Cinderella is a story of a beautiful, sweet, and charming young girl, who is full of deep sorrow because of the abuse she faces from her stepsisters and stepmother, who feel threatened by Cinderella’s grace and beauty. Although her father is present in the story, he too is put to task by the strong and wilful stepdaughters and his overbearing wife. Not only is the ballet as magical as the fairy tale, it is also filled with comedy that the entire family can enjoy.

This performance brings another special treat in the guest appearance of Jacob Garret of the Houston Ballet. Mr. Garrett, a former student of Kaye Lewis, the director of the Midwest Regional Ballet, will be dancing the part of Prince Charming. Guest artist Emily Fansler, also a former student of Kaye and now in training UCO will be dancing the role of the Fairy Godmother. Other dancers from the area who have been training with Ms. Lewis and will be performing in this Ballet are Megan Swaffer, Carah McCullough, Carrie McDowell, Crystal Humphrey, Quinn Dennis, Dawson White, Shelby Hoofnagle, Amanda Pierson, Danny Phillips, Rich Lillard, Eddie McGuire, Shelly Ross, Kami Cook, Brandi Graber, Natalie Sanders, Kathy Clark, Robert Clark, Shawn Wierick and Jade Leggott.

Midwest Regional Ballet and Katy & Co. perform several ballets and dance in other venues throughout the year. These dancers have performed at several location such as the Joplin Little Theatre, Joplin Festival of the Four States, and the Heartland Opera, to name a few. Ms. Lewis has done choreography for Joplin High School, Webb City Show Choir, Miami High School, Joplin Little Theatre, in addition to several other projects. When asked why she does so much in the community, her response is candid and frank. “Bringing the art of dance and theater to our community is very important. Our area is growing so fast and there is so much talent here. We need more opportunity where area artists can grow and perform in the many different areas of the performing arts, such as Opera, Dance and Theater.”

This past July several of Ms. Lewis’ students competed at the National Dance Finals with Dance America in New York City. They brought home several national titles including the prestigious Teacher’s Choice award for “Lady in Red” performed by Jordan Francisco and Baily Stiles and Teacher of the Year for Ms. Lewis. This highly coveted award is present and voted on by the other dance instructors competing at Dance America. These student keep very busy and most recently returned from Tulsa regionals with 12 first place awards, best technical execution for Shelby Hoofnagle’s lyrical “Sand and Water, and high score overall of their Production Hip-Hop Number. Also, five of the dancers were chosen as Dancer of the Year finalist and will compete in July at Nationals in Las Vegas, Nevada.

National Dance Finals with Dance America in New York City

Ms. Lewis says it best. “I could not be more proud of these kids and young adults. I set such high standards for them and they achieve above and beyond any goals they are given. They work so hard and have to given up so much to be a part of this organization. The rehearsals and class take up the majority of their time and they gladly consider each and every one of the kids that walk through that door of mine. We are like a big family and I love it and all of them.”

Don’t let the clock strike midnight without seeing this wonderful presentation. Cinderella will open April 30th at 7:00 p.m. Other performances include May 1st at 7:00 p.m. and May 2nd at 2:00 p.m., at the Coleman Theatre in Miami, Okla. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for senior citizens and children under 12.

For information call 620-783-0227 or 417-439-9549.