Company dancers with the Macholah Ballet perform “Amma,” an original production inspired by the life of missionary Amy Carmichael. (Photo Courtesy of Summer Bailey Photography)
The Macholah Ballet, a Teays Valley-based Christian dance studio, recently held their annual spring recital and debuted “Amma,” an original ballet production inspired by the life of missionary Amy Carmichael. The two productions were held on Saturday, May 31, at the St. Albans High School auditorium.
Amy Carmichael was an Irish missionary who traveled to India in the late 1890’s and dedicated her life to religious and social work. She was especially concerned about the exploitation of young girls who were being trafficked in temples. The Macholah Ballet’s production of “Amma” dramatized parts of Carmichael’s life and ministry through dance. Carmichael went on to found the Dohnavur Fellowship, which established sanctuaries and schools for impoverished children. She served in India for 45 years, living a life of self-denial in service to others.
The theme for this year’s dance recital was Kaleidoscope, which the studio claims was its most colorful recital yet, with dances featuring costumes inspired by the colors of the rainbow. “Just like a Kaleidoscope, our lives can seem like random bits and pieces, but when you look through the lens, Jesus has a purpose in bringing it all together in a new and exciting pattern!” the studio proclaimed on their Facebook event page. “He picks up our crushed and broken pieces and transforms them into a beautiful mosaic of masterpieces!”
While the Macholah Ballet will not be holding regular classes until the start of the 2025-2026 season in September, the studio has a variety of workshops and activities planned for the summer.
Planned events include Jumps & Turns (ages 10 and up) on June 19; Masterpiece Dance and Art Camp (ages 6-10) on June 23 – 27; Books & Ballerinas: Over the Rainbow at 10 a.m. at Valley Park in Hurricane; Butterfly in the Sky Reading Rainbow Dance Camp (ages 4-6) on July 7; High School Musical Dance Camp on July 9; and Deep Dive Summer Dance Intensive on August 4 – 8.
For more information, check out the Macholah Ballet on Facebook. The studio is located at 6422 Teays Valley Road, Scott Depot, beside Save-A-Lot.
