By Shirley McMarlin

Published: Sunday, November 4, 2012, 8:52 p.m.
Updated: Sunday, November 4, 2012

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre executive director Harris Ferris proposed a toast to George Balanchine on Friday after a triumphant collaboration with the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra in the production of “Serenade.”

“Serenade” premiered in 1934 and was the first ballet choreographed by Balanchine in the United States.

The ballet and symphony joined forces at Greensburg's Palace Theatre for the first time since the ballet launched its Westmoreland County initiative three years ago.

“Thank you for giving our company a chance to dance for you tonight,” Ferris said at a reception after the show. “We want to come back, but it's up to you.”

Terrence Orr, artistic director of the ballet, introduced the dancers, who had been mingling during the reception.

“We can think of programs like crazy,” Orr said. “We're here because of you.”

Daniel Meyer, artistic director of the symphony, said there was a palpable energy between the dancers, himself and the orchestra, which made an exhilarating experience for all.

“The gasps that came out of the audience when the curtain opened,” Meyer said. “That alone for me, was worth the price of admission.”

Seen: Terry and Debbie Reese, Aimee Waeltz, Nichole Gantshar, Kathy Hollahan, Dr. George and Linda Austin, Dennis and Kathy Rafferty, Mud and Phyllis Kluska, Anita Manoli, Jill Briercheck, Sean Cassidy and Gina Sciarrino, Chuck and Nancy Anderson, Susan Ciarimboli, Roxanne Fontanesi, Pat Condo and Jan Taylor Condo, Barbara Ferrier and Eleanor Tornblom, with the Laurel Ballet.

— Dawn Law

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