Doug Singleton, Executive Director, Charlotte Ballet

Invest: sat down with Charlotte Ballet Executive Director Doug Singleton to discuss the diversity the arts bring to the local community, the increasing efforts of the artistic community to create spaces where creativity thrives and the organization’s extensive educational outreach programs.

What have been the most significant milestones or achievements for Charlotte Ballet?

Introducing and celebrating Alejandro Cerrudo as our Artistic Director has been a major milestone. This past year marked his first fully curated season, and the production of Swan Lake was a significant achievement, as it was the first time the company had ever produced this ballet. The community’s response was incredible, with sold-out shows and a positive reception. Susan and Loy McKeithan partnered with Jane and Hugh McCall to develop an endowment that now funds live music for one performance series each year in perpetuity. This is a substantial contribution, as symphonies are not inexpensive, and it adds a rich layer to our performances.

Looking ahead to the upcoming season, “Unfiltered” for 2024/25, what are some highlights you’re particularly excited about?

One of the highlights I am excited about is a new work by Andrea Shermoly, which will offer a fresh take on the classic Carmen. It is always fascinating to see how traditional stories can be reinterpreted to resonate with contemporary audiences. This production will bring a new perspective to a well-known tale, making it relevant to today’s context. We have several exciting projects in the pipeline. We also had the return of Mthuthuzeli November, a renowned choreographer who previously worked with us last fall. His unique style, which blends classical ballet traditions with contemporary elements, has been a refreshing addition to our repertoire. We also welcomed Omar Roman De Jesus, an emerging choreographer from Puerto Rico who is now based in New York City. Alejandro recruited him, recognizing his talent and unique voice in the dance world. Alejandro will be creating his first new performance piece for the company, which will be a highlight in the latter part of our season.

How does the organization plan to expand its outreach and involvement within the local community this season?

We continue to engage the community through various programs, reaching 30,000 to 40,000 people annually. Our educational engagement activities, in partnership with local school systems, are a cornerstone of our outreach efforts. We also offer accessible community classes through initiatives like the Culture Blocks program in collaboration with the Arts and Science Council. Our REACH program focuses on making dance accessible to a broader audience. It is important for us to contribute to the vibrancy of Uptown Charlotte, especially given the current challenges of attracting people to Uptown. The arts play a crucial role in keeping the urban core lively and engaging, which is essential for the overall vitality of the city.

Can you delve into the specifics of some of these educational programs or partnerships that Charlotte Ballet has developed?

One of our signature programs is Pages to Stages, which targets elementary school students. This program integrates dance into the existing curriculum, helping to tell stories in a dynamic and engaging way. It caters to kinetic learners and provides a unique vocabulary for students to express themselves. We offer this program not only in Mecklenburg County but also in surrounding regions, ensuring broad access to arts education. Our goal is to support educators by enhancing the educational experience and helping students recover from the disruptions caused by the pandemic.

How does Charlotte Ballet ensure diverse representation within its company and programming?

Diversity has long been a priority for Charlotte Ballet. We have been committed to a diverse repertoire and artistic representation, recognizing the evolving demographics of Charlotte.

Our approach has always been to reflect the community we serve, which is crucial for fostering support and engagement. This focus on diversity is not a new initiative for us but rather a continuation of our long-standing commitment to inclusivity and representation in the arts.

Could you share more about how the organization collaborates with other arts organizations or public and private partnerships?

We have had several notable collaborations. For instance, we presented a piece called Kamuyot, which was specifically designed to be performed in community spaces like gyms and museums, breaking the traditional barrier between performers and the audience. This piece was part of our Breaking Boundaries series last fall and was performed in venues such as the Mint Museum and Shalom Park, bringing the art closer to the community.

Another significant partnership is with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, enabled by the McKeithans’ and McCalls’ endowment, which allows us to offer live music at our performances, enriching the overall artistic experience for our audiences.

In light of the current economic climate, what challenges is Charlotte Ballet facing in terms of funding, and how is it addressing these challenges?

We are grateful for the support from local government officials who have helped stabilize the cultural ecosystem. However, the broader trend in philanthropy, which is not keeping pace with inflation, poses challenges. While we have been fortunate to maintain support, the rising costs of labor and goods mean that there is a growing financial gap. We are working to bridge this gap through various strategies, including expanding our donor base and maximizing our earned revenue through ticket sales.

How important is incorporating feedback from the audience and stakeholders in programming and strategic planning?

Audience and stakeholder feedback is crucial to our success. During our recent strategic planning process, we engaged with approximately 250 stakeholders through interviews and surveys to understand their needs and expectations. This input has been invaluable in shaping our programming and aligning our vision with community interests. It is essential for us to be responsive to our audience while also pushing the boundaries of the art form.

Looking ahead, what are the key goals and top priorities for Charlotte Ballet over the next year or two?

One of our key goals is to contribute to the transformation of North Tryon Street into a vibrant arts district. We envision this area becoming a hub for artistic activity, attracting both residents and visitors. We hope to create environments that inspire and support the creative community by maintaining a place where people can live, work, and play. I would also like to highlight the efforts at the Visual and Performing Arts Center (VAPA), our neighbors across the street. This public-private partnership supports a community of artists working in the old Hal Marshall site, a former Sears and Roebuck building. Through dedication and creativity, these artists have transformed the space into a vibrant hub. They recently received the Vision Award from Center City Partners, which is a huge testament to their significant contributions to the arts community in Charlotte.