THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, September 17, 1995 TAG: 9509150204
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 22 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY GARY EDWARDS, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Short : 48 lines
Kathy Thibodeaux started dancing when she was 6 and went on to win a silver medal in the 1982 USA International Ballet Competition in Jackson, Miss.
Four years later, the born-again ballet star gave up her professional career to dance for the glory of God. She founded Ballet Magnificat, considered by many to be the premiere Christian ballet troupe in the world.
Now, thanks to the efforts of a Virginia Beach woman, local residents can see the group perform Tuesday night.
Golda Browne, a member of Kempsville Presbyterian Church, visited Thibodeaux's hometown, Jackson, Miss., this summer while Browne's daughter, Melodie, 14, attended an intensive workshop under the auspices of Thibodeaux's dance school.
Browne subsequently discovered that the Ballet Magnificat was touring the East but didn't plan a stop in Virginia Beach. A phone call changed that.
``I was so impressed with their credentials, their creativity,'' said Golda Browne. ``Melodie wants to dance professionally, and I thought it was important to get a behind-the-scenes look at the school.''
She persuaded Thibodeaux to present a performance here.
The Ballet Magnificat will plie and pirouette at Kempsville Presbyterian Church at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
``There is no admission, but the church will accept donations,'' said Browne. Not only is the message inspiring, the ballet will be a good entertainment value, she said.
``If the show were presented at the Pavilion, tickets would be about $30.''
Since its beginning nine years ago, the Ballet Magnificat has performed 450 times in 30 states and in Canada.
``They have dancers from all the noted ballet companies in the country,'' said Browne. MEMO: For more information, call Kempsville Presbyterian Church at 495-1913.
ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Ballet Magnificat, a Christian ballet troupe, will plie and
pirouette Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Kempsville Presbyterian Church.
by CNB