Fort Wayne Ballet recently announced the schedule for their 2023-24 season, which kicks off Sept. 21 with an intimate Wine Barre performance and wraps up May 11 with Pints en Pointe.

With a mission to “feed the spirit and spark the imagination through the highest caliber of professional and academy performances, dancing training, and community engagement,” the nonprofit will present six shows this season plus a three-part family series.

The Wine Barre is an intimate setting where you can enjoy wine paired with a pas de deux by the Ballet.

Things really get under way with Opening Night! on Oct. 20-21 at Arts United Center, offering a nod to New York City, featuring Fancy Free, Italian Suite, and Three Virgins and a Devil.

Holiday favorite The Nutcracker will be at Arts United Center from Dec. 1-10. The classic tale follows Clara as her nutcracker battles the Mouse Queen and sweeps her off to Land of Sweets. Multiple performances will be accompanied by the Fort Wayne Philharmonic.

From Feb. 9-11, Love Notes will be presented at Parkview Physicians ArtsLab, as well as Eagles Theatre in Wabash on Feb. 13 and Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum in Auburn on Feb. 14.  

Love remains in the air from April 19-21, when the Ballet takes on Shakespeare’s classic Romeo & Juliet at Arts United Center. The story of two star-crossed lovers with doomed fates will be accompanied by the Fort Wayne Philharmonic.

The season comes to a close with Pints en Pointe from May 10-11 at Fort Wayne Ballet Studios. The casual performances allow you to get up close to the dancers and speak with them.

The kid-friendly Family Series are 30-minute shows that allow children to sit up close to see the action at Fort Wayne Ballet Studios. The series begins with Spooky-Kooky Trunk-or-Treat on Oct. 28, followed by Thumbelina on Feb. 24, and Madeline! on April 27.

Ticket are available at the ArtsTix Community Box Office, 303 E. Main St., or by going fortwayneballet.org.

5K will help support Big Brothers Big Sisters

Indiana Physical Therapy and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana will hold a Better Together 5K at Promenade Park at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 12. 

This fun run is all about supporting a great cause since 100 percent of proceeds will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana. 

Registration is $25 per person, which includes a T-shirt. Register at bbbsnei.org/events.

City of Fort Wayne cutting ties with Veo

The city of Fort Wayne announced this week it will no longer allow Veo to operate standup e-scooters and seated scooters beginning Sept. 4.

In ending the partnership, the city cites increased concerns from residents and businesses. 

Veo was granted a permit to operate in the city in 2019, using 300 e-scooters and 150 pedal bicycles. There were 500 scooters and 80 bicycles in 2022, but the bicycles were replaced with seated scooters in 2023. 

Gala benefits nonprofit Believe in a Dream

Local youth nonprofit Believe in a Dream will host their second annual gala fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 21, at the Parkview Mirro Center.

The gala will highlight the organization’s participants and alumni by putting its young entrepreneurs, leaders, and artists at the forefront of its program. It aims to connect BIAD community partners, donors, and the public with program participants and share the vision BIAD has for the future. BIAD will honor two supporters with a Visionary Leadership Award: The Cairn Foundation and Earl S. Robinson of Fort Wayne Community Schools.

The evening will feature dinner, drinks, and a silent auction. Tickets are available at believeinadream.com.

‘Meat’ the Need scheduled for Sept. 16

Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry will be holding its annual “Meat” the Need Benefit on Saturday, Sept. 16,  at Kruse Plaza in Auburn. 

This event will consist of dinner, games, raffles, silent auctions, and a live auction. Proceeds aid in paying processing fees on large game and livestock with the meat being given to food banks, pantries, and soup kitchens within Indiana. This year will also feature an appearance by Indiana’s first lady Janet Holcomb.

Register at hoosiersfeedingthehungry.org, at Hoosier’s Feeding the Hungry’s office at 4490 State Road 327 in Garrett, or by contacting the office at (260) 233-1444 for additional options.

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