Ballet Vermont’s ‘Bees & Friends’ lands at Camp Meade on Sunday

May 26, 2021 | By Waterbury Roundabout 

Dancers in Ballet Vermont’s ‘Bees & Friends’ ballet perform in 2019. The production comes to Camp Meade in Middlesex this weekend. Photo by Tasha Walls

Set to Vivaldi's “The Four Seasons,'' Ballet Vermont’s “Bees & Friends” production is kicking off a summer tour at Camp Meade this Sunday, May 30, with two shows at 2 and 5:30 p.m. 

The 45-min. ballet features 17 dancers who portray small yet vital creatures in healthy Vermont ecosystems including ladybugs, fireflies and, of course, bees. The characters present themes of pollination, metamorphoses, integrated pest management and bioluminescence. 

The festival also includes pollinator-inspired crafts, education opportunities, local food and more.

The company’s Artistic Director Chatch Pregger explains that the company aims to create a path for professional ballet dancers, musicians, and composers in Vermont to collaborate and produce original dance pieces. “Bees & Friends” originated from segments of Ballet Vermont’s popular summer classic, “The Farm to Ballet Project,” which also will tour this summer.

In addition to Camp Meade, the Bees ballet will be presented in Greensboro, South Burlington and Middlebury. Tickets in advance: $20 for adults; $10 for older children. More information online at balletvermont.org.