Sixteen-year-old Grace Schlotthauer’s wave of nervousness calmed the moment she stepped onto stage and the music began.
Wearing a purple leotard wrapped in a thin black skirt, she blended modern dance movements with more traditional ballet for the crowd.
“You have two minutes to show off months of hard work,” she said after finishing her solo performance. “I love the rush it gives you and being able to perform really well.”
Schlotthauer performed two routines with the East County-based School of Russian Ballet Feb. 3 as part of Lakewood Ranch’s 11th annual Grand Ovation.
The celebration of arts at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch featured live dance, theater and opera performances, as well as art demonstrations. Attendees also could visit booths from local arts organizations such as the Sarasota Opera, The Players Centre for Performing Arts and the Sarasota Ballet.
Artist Michael White completes a caricature of East County's Charlotte Griffin.
Maya and Julia Griffin, of Lakewood Ranch, watch as an artist draws their mother, Charlotte.
Olivia Lafemina performs "Shadowland" from Lakewood Ranch High School's upcoming production of "Lion King Jr."
Sarasota's Carlee Martel, with her mom, Cristi, is eager to perform with Woodland Fine Arts Academy.
Chalk artist Shane Mesmer chalks a violin for spectators.
Sarasota moms Yvonne Zaccone and Caroline Thurman have fun while waiting for their daughters, Isabella Zaccone, and Sophia Thurman, to perform with the Sarasota Youth Opera.
The Out-of-Door Academy student Alexia King, 13, performs ballet with the School of Russian Ballet.
The Out-of-Door Academy student Alexia King, 13, performs ballet with the School of Russian Ballet.
Lakewood Ranch's Grace Schlotthauer performs a modern number with the School of Russian Ballet.
Lakewood Ranch's Maria Cora Gaffar and her friend Nita Francia, of East County, enjoy watching the performances from the front row.
Nine-year-old Caitlin Keenan, of Lakewood Ranch, says she loves everything about performing. She danced with the School of Russian Ballet.
School of Russian Ballet performers Bo Electra, Rebecca Kimsey, Alaina Kimsey, Meagan Michalik, Grace Schlotthauer and Abbey Walsh performed a cowboy-themed ballet number.
