One of the ideas, the things, the goals of many dance companies today, is not only to perform, to show you what they have worked for and to “show you what they got”, but it is a desire and a drive to bring the world of dance to the public in a more personal way than the rows of seats that separate the dancers from their audience. The dancers of this modern world no longer want to be elevated, but to be right there on the same ground as the public, they want to bring you into their world, not keep you at arms length, or keep the public on the other side of the orchestra pit. They want the people of their communities to feel the warmth of the spotlights just as they themselves feel that warmth, that heat, and the power of movement. This is the mission of the San Antonio Metropolitan Ballet Company.
Through their performances and their community out reach programs, the members of the company are encouraging local talent to follow their dreams and to nurture their creative abilities and their own personal involvement in the world of the arts. When this company performs, not only are the seats of the theatres filled, but many of the rooms of the best San Antonio hotels as well. Many people will make the trip to the city, just to see their performances of “The Nutcracker” or “Swan Lake”. And for those lucky enough to live in the city, the company holds weekly classes.
Patricia Delaney founded the company not too long ago, in 1983 with the original name being the San Antonio Dance Theatre. They officially changed their name to the San Antonio Metropolitan Ballet in 1995. Through the years the company has remained committed to assisting other organizations through the donations of the profits of their shows. Such beneficiaries include the the public television station KLRN, the San Antonio Dance Umbrella, the Institute of Texas Cultures and the San Antonio Zoo. This company is one that not only demonstrates strength, talent and dedication while performing, but they demonstrate this in their city as well.