Michael Viator first walked through the doors of Columbia County Ballet when he was nine.
Now, at 27, he’s returned for two weeks with his wife, Olivia, to teach a workshop and choreograph the ballet company’s fall show set for Sept. 11. The couple arrived July 12 and will conclude July 23.
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“It feels like home. It’s bittersweet because it’s different,” he said of the return.
He said he remembers his own summers taking ballet classes and rehearsing during the summer months with the dancers he grew up with. The faces are different, but the excitement feels the same.
While at Columbia County Ballet, Viator performed in many of the main male roles in the ballet productions. After graduating high school, he remained in the area for a couple of years, but his heart for dance and ministry took him out of the area.
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He danced with Ballet Magnificat, a Christian-based dance group headquartered in Mississippi, where he met Olivia, who is originally from Washington state. Then, the couple moved to Iowa, where they’ve spent the last three years working as directors of a pre-professional dance company.
This is Olivia’s first visit to Columbia County Ballet.
Michael Viator first choreographed Freedom in 2011. Courtesy photo Michael Viator first choreographed Freedom in 2011. Courtesy photo Michael Viator first choreographed Freedom in 2011. Courtesy photo
“It’s exciting. It’s fun to work with a new group of dancers,” said Olivia Viator, who danced with Ballet Magnificat for seven years.
She said she was also excited to see the place where her husband grew up.
The couple is revamping a piece Michael Viator choreographed at the studio while still performing there in 2011. Called “Freedom,” the piece features multiple dances designed to mark the observance of the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
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“It starts with the tragedy and praying for the nation, praying for healing,” he said.
Then the movement shifts.
“It turns to celebrating the freedom we have,” Olivia Viator said.
After they finish with their dance commitment at the Columbia County Ballet, Michael and Olivia Viator will return to Iowa to pack up their belongings. The Viators are in transition, but plan to continue their journey with dance.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com.
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