FIRST POINT PLAYERS

First Point Players is a proud tradition of Ballet Virginia’s pre-professional dance education. Founded it early 1980, it is a junior training company created and directed by Ms. Patricia Sorrell.

First Point is designed and structured to give young dancers insight into the hallmarks of dancer etiquette, the many facets of a production, the commitment of a performing member, and most importantly, an opportunity for serious dancers to advance their art by sharing it with the community.

Throughout the years, the dancers have gone into nursing homes and senior living communities to brighten the lives of residents, and held workshops for scouts to educate them in the art of ballet. These opportunities have allowed the dancers to earn community service hours to help meet academic requirements for most public and private schools.

Ms. Pat has designed this training company to include at least 15 rehearsals, with 6 performances over a five-month period. The training begins in January of every academy year and continues into the first full week of June. First Point Players sustains itself financially within the Ballet Virginia organization by raising money for costumes, props, and production costs through fundraising and generous donations.

Dancers in Levels 3 through Level 7 may join First Point Players by invitation only by Ms. Pat. Annual auditions can be requested at the time of the annual “Nutcracker” audition registration. First Pointe Players rehearsals are held on Saturdays at the conclusion of Academy classes and are scheduled around other Ballet Virginia performances.