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January 27, 2018
Ashland Regional Ballet & Opus II Dance Studio Announce New School Director
Opus II Dance Studio (Opus II), official school of the Ashland Regional Ballet (ARB), founded in 1982, announces its first new School Director since its founding. Hellie Schussler, founder, states that the positions of Artistic Director and School Director are interdependent. The school (Opus II) provides the training and the company (ARB) provides the higher level performing opportunities. These two directors must work hand in hand and must have complete and mutual understanding of the curriculum and repertoire. Schussler handed over Artistic Directorship to Sarah Cyders nine years ago. The baton has once again been passed with the position of School Director now in the capable hands of Ann Marie Benshoff-Todd. Schussler now remains only as Executive Director, a job she feels suited for at this stage of her life.
Becky A. Barnes, President of the ARB Board of Directors, commented on behalf of board members, “We are thrilled to have Ann Marie as part of our team. We are very fortunate she is a product of our school, Opus II, and Ashland Regional Ballet and has worked with Hellie. She has lived and knows our mission and our commitment to providing quality education and performance opportunities.”
In the early years of the dance school and company Schussler did all 3 jobs. “It was logical. I was the one who wanted to make it all work, but it was smaller back then and I was young and blessed with endless energy. Also, Curt (my husband and co-founder of the School) was always there to pick up the pieces when I needed help. Now with family health problems occurring we are both feeling the need to take life slower.” In order for both school and company to grow, Schussler stepped down as Artistic Director in the summer of 2009. Sarah Cyders, an alumni of the school and company, is now in her 9th season at the helm of Ashland Regional Ballet. Schussler remarks, “She has done an amazing job in this position. Anyone who saw our Nutcracker this past December can attest to the continuing and thriving artistry of our dancers. This is a direct result of Sarah’s leadership.”
Benshoff-Todd, also an alumni of Opus II/ARB, came onboard at the beginning of the school year in 2014. Though she joined the staff initially as Administrative Assistant, her years of experience in the studio made her a valuable member of the faculty as well. Schussler notes, “Ann Marie’s versatile capabilities and can-do attitude make every task more enjoyable. She was already performing the duties of School Director. It was only logical to promote her to the title.” Cyders and Schussler have both enjoyed working with Benshoff-Todd creating a strong team-work atmosphere. Cyders remarked, “Ann Marie has such a wonderful personality that you can’t help but be drawn to her. That personality and her positive attitude make her a great fit for the school. I am thrilled to be able to work beside her to continue bringing the love of dance to many generations to come.”
When asked to comment on her new position Ann Marie stated, “Opus II Dance Studio has been my second home since I was 4 years old. After living away from Ashland, I know that it was Opus pulling me home. I have always dreamed of sharing my love of dance with everyone around me. I am excited to carry the legacy and traditions that Hellie began into the future.”
Ashland Regional Ballet’s Winter-Into-Spring season of dance continues with The Magic of Harry Potter, a collaborative performance with the Ashland Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, February 3 at Archer Auditorium, Ashland High School. In March the company will perform its annual Cabin Fever Shows for young audiences, and in May the school and company will present the 36th Annual Spring Dance Concert at Ashland University’s Hugo Young Theatre. Ashland Regional Ballet may be contacted at www.AshlandRegionalBallet.org.
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