PERFORMANCES

"I love Civic week, it's one of my favorite times of the year.  I work so closely with all the dancers throughout the year helping with costumes, props, timings, etc. that I'm as invested in their performance as they are.  The best thing is being backstage, watching from the wings and seeing the dancers' faces light up on that stage as they dance their hearts out. To watch them nail the turns they worried about, make the quick change that makes us all hold our breath, or hear the audience react to something wonderful they've done makes everything worth it. They are the best at hyping each other up before they go on stage, congratulating each other on a job well done as they exit, and picking up those that are not happy with how things are going.  Being a part of this magic and friendship is something I wouldn't trade for the world."

- Jackie Zorich, BXO Board Member and Parent

"I felt so supported and blessed by all the BXO families. Everyone was giving such great advice and support. It was wonderful to see everyone caring for everyone's kids and jumping in wherever needed. So many people loved on Janie that week! I didn't have to fuss over her at all. She isn't very social, but it was great to see her connecting with others, even people she didn't know before. It was a great experience."

- Coleen Wimer, BXO Parent

"After the sensory-friendly performance, I had the opportunity to go out to the audience with a few other dancers to meet the people who came to watch that day. Miss Mia and everyone else always talks about the performance being such an important impact on kids with special needs or disabilities, but there was one group of older women with disabilities that came to watch as well. After taking a picture with us, one of them came over to talk to me. She said that she did ballet for about 10 years when she was younger and she hadn’t seen anyone perform in a very long time, but seeing us brought back so many memories and made her very happy. That opened up a whole new perspective on who came to watch the sensory-friendly performances; it was not only giving an experience to kids, but it was creating an opportunity for so many more people, and I was really able to feel the impact of how important those performances are."

"My favorite part of Civic was at the end of the show - everyone had a group hug and it truly made me feel like a member of company and that we are all one group and everyone congratulated each other. I am so thankful for that because before that I didn't really feel a part of the group."

- Janie Wimer, BXO Dancer

To Director Mia Klinger: "The notes you gave the kids about doing the best you can blew me away. You are a gift to the ballet world and I am so lucky my daughter is training with you. I cannot thank you enough for your kindness, your encouragement, and your thoughtful words."