50 Years of Ballettschule Evi Ritter — “Die Hexe Rosa” at the Stadthalle Leonberg

LEONBERG — Three sold-out performances, more than a hundred young dancers on stage and an audience that rose to its feet to applaud: on the first weekend of March, Ballettschule Evi Ritter celebrated its 50th anniversary with the dance piece “Die Hexe Rosa” — loosely based on motifs from Otfried Preußler. The piece was staged at the Stadthalle Leonberg, the heart of our town’s cultural life.

Three performances — sold out three times

On Saturday, 7 March, the curtain went up for the first time at 4 pm. Two more performances followed on Sunday — at 10:30 am and again at 4 pm. Every show was full to the very last seat: striking proof of the place the ballet school holds in Leonberg after half a century.

An enchanted forest on the Stadthalle stage

The production was a feast for the senses. The stage became an enchanted forest: deep blue light, drifting mist and handmade scenery created an atmosphere that held even the adults in the audience spellbound. The costumes — from delicate flower wings and mushroom caps to mysterious forest creatures — helped to tell the story without a single word.

Afina’s first appearance on the big stage

For our family, this weekend was something very special: our daughter Afina Kostiuk stood on the big stage for the first time. The official programme lists her in the “Flowers” group in the section In the Forest — and that is exactly how she danced: in a lilac leotard with large, shimmering flower wings, as radiant as the stage lights. It is an indescribable feeling to see your child on a real stage, surrounded by so much energy, discipline and joy in dancing. We are incredibly proud of her.

Half a century of dance in Leonberg

What Ballettschule Evi Ritter has built over 50 years deserves the highest respect. Generations of children have learned more here than dance technique: stage presence, team spirit and the ability to create something together that is bigger than any one of them. That the school could celebrate this anniversary with such an elaborate production speaks for itself.

Happy 50th birthday, Ballettschule Evi Ritter — and thank you for an unforgettable weekend. We are already looking forward to the next 50 years.

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