Talk of the Town: LifeChance - a time when ballet and puppies benefit others

COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) - LifeChance, an international Ballet Gala of the Stars, will take center stage later this month.

Performed by Columbia Classical Ballet, every year the company uses the LifeChance performance to salute a charitable organization.

This year it is PAALS, which stands for Palmetto Animals Assisted Life Services. This special event will feature top ballet artists from all over the country including the artists of Columbia Classical Ballet performing both classical ballet variations and contemporary pieces, all under the guidance of Columbia Classical Ballet’s artistic director Radenko Pavlovich.

Two generous donors, one of whom is Fisher Communications, will write checks to the honoree. Kevin Fisher will donate $500 and the anonymous donor will match attendance up to $1,500. So if 1,500 people are in attendance, this donor will write a check for $1,500 to PAALS!

The goal is to raise $5,000 by increasing attendance and private donations through exposure.

“Columbia Classical Ballet is dedicated to bringing the highest-quality ballet to everyone in our community, so to be able to promote awareness for PAALS and its services, while fulfilling our own mission, is an honor,” says Pavlovich.

“PAALS is committed to enriching and empowering children and adults with physical disabilities and social needs by training service dogs and providing animal assisted educational and recreational activities,” says PAALS Executive Director Jen Rogers. Columbia Classical Ballet’s 27th season, “Now THIS is ballet!” presents “LifeChance – International Ballet Gala of the Stars.” The one-night only performance is Saturday, January 26 at 7:30 p.m. at the Koger Center for the Arts. Tickets range in price from $5 to $35. Call 803-251-2222 to purchase your ticket.

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