“This time away from the stage seemed like an eternity,” White said. “We stayed alive, like others, by doing electronic streaming with Zoom, and it was a wonderful dressing, if you will. It really stretched our imaginations.

While fundraising was a challenge, “that was offset, of course, by the fact that we didn’t have to incur huge expenses for large productions, so we were able to sort of get you. know, dry powder, ”White said. “I think we are well positioned, we feel good in our capacities for this season. “

The Southwest Virginia Ballet in Roanoke has emerged from pandemic closures in a strong position, said Carol Jessee, its executive director. “It was actually one of our best years,” she said. “Our donor base has grown. Our donors have come forward extremely generously. I think they understand the importance of what we do in the community.

On August 28, the Southwest Virginia Ballet will join the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra for an outdoor performance of “Symphony Under the Stars,” said Pedro Szalay, artistic director of SVB.

The ballet will stage for the 30th time in December the eternal holiday classic “The Nutcracker”. For the first time, they will be joined by the Roanoke Valley Children’s Choir.

“I’m very excited about this,” Szalay said.