Jennifer Anzilotti is following a dream.
“I always felt I wanted to dance for the Lord, but there are not many options in Alaska,” said the Alaska native who is currently rehearsing in Augusta with Renovate Ballet Co., a faith-based dance company whose mission is “Equipping artists for a career in dance while preparing them for ministry using the tools of dance, relatable storytelling, and personal testimony.”
Company members started rehearsals for their inaugural season in August. A free performance is scheduled for 5 p.m., Oct. 21, at Aiken’s Hopelands Gardens. The group will also be highlighted at Abilene Baptist Church’s Singing Christmas Tree this December.
The newly formed company is the brainchild of Michael and Olivia Viator. Michael Viator is an Augusta native who performed with and choreographed for the Augusta Ballet (formerly known as the Columbia County Ballet).
The couple met at Ballet Magnificat, a Christian dance company, in Mississippi.
Inspired by Ballet Magnificat, the Viators have the vision of taking their dancers on the road to perform.
One of the pieces they’ve choreographed is called “Make Room.”
“It’s a story ballet set at Christmas,” said Olivia Viator.
They are also preparing a few larger pieces that could be performed at other times during the year.
Anzilotti is one of nine dancers in the inaugural group.
“It’s hard work,” she said. “We dance six hours a day.”
But it’s worth it to her.
“It’s been good,” she said. “It’s definitely been a transition.”
Renovate Ballet Co. uses a space at First Presbyterian Church on Telfair Street as its rehearsal studio.
“The space is beautiful,” she said.
Other dancers have also traveled far from home for the chance to use their gifts and talents for God.
“Since I was 14, I wanted to dance for the Lord,” said Liberty Cleland, a company member who is originally from Michigan. She also spent three years with Ballet Magnificat. “I was looking for an opportunity, and I heard about Renovate.”
Although the company is only a few months into its inaugural season, Olivia Viator said she and Michael Viator are looking ahead to January 2023 auditions for the 2023-2024 season and planning other performances.
To learn more about Renovate, visit https://www.facebook.com/Renovate-Ballet-Company-102364785713309
