“Ballet by the Lake” is Back, Bringing History, Emotion, and Excitement

By C.M. McCambridge

“This is our season of transformations,” said Syracuse City Ballet’s Artistic Director, Caroline Sheridan, who has been hard at work crafting their sophomore performance of “Ballet by the Lake” to leap into their 25th anniversary season.

Sheridan’s production is promising a showcase of style, music, and different eras of ballet as an art form. The free upcoming performances will be showcased this weekend to begin the company’s 2022-23 season.

“This year, we wanted to make it educational,” Sheridan said. “Part of our mission is to preserve the traditions of classical ballet, but also to push the boundaries.” Each performance reflects the history of ballet, including classical, modern, and contemporary dance.

“I think it shows us company dancers in a very well-rounded way,” said Mary Coon, a dancer with Syracuse City Ballet. Her statements ring true, with every section of the performance guiding the audience through ballet history by incorporating different styles of movement.

The selections for “Ballet by the Lake” come from the familiar “Swan Lake,” as well as new pieces like “Manifestos,” and “Panacea.” “Manifestos” was created by choreographer S. Arthur Sicilia, currently based in Austria, and this performance will be the world premiere of the work. 

The contrast from “Swan Lake” into “Manifestos” is palpable, with the expression through movement shifting from the familiar into something one may not have seen before, yet can certainly feel the emotional weight of.

While many expect dance to be accompanied only by music, “Manifestos” pushes that boundary, incorporating spoken word and poetry selections. With an ebb and flow to the movements that reflects the emotions behind the piece, it fits perfectly into this year’s production of “Ballet by the Lake.”

“I’m looking forward to Arthur’s piece the most, it has such an emotional journey. It can be interpreted in so many different ways,” said Abigail Stewart, another dancer with Syracuse City Ballet.

As for “Panacea,”  Sheridan created the work as an expression of the pain she felt at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the loss of her ability to dance and be together with those close to her. The piece, which was originally choreographed for Sheridan and her friends to craft a memory of dancing together again, is now taking a new perspective.

“We’re on the other side of things, and the profession has changed over the past two years,” Sheridan said. It’s really cool to revisit this after I created it at such a different time.”

Stewart says that all the pieces will showcase a strong introduction to the company.

“Without a doubt, you will be moved by something,” she said.

“Ballet by the Lake” will have four free performances this weekend at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater in Syracuse on Saturday, Aug. 20 and Sunday, Aug. 21 at 4 and 6 p.m.