COLUMBUS, Ohio — BalletMet will close out its season alongside the Columbus Symphony Orchestra with the return of “Romeo and Juliet.” The ballet will also be the final performance for dancer Caitlin Valentine who, after a 22-year career, will retire at the end of the season.
"I have always wanted to retire to Juliet, she's my favorite role to play," said Caitlin Valentine, who has spent the past 10 years in Columbus with BalletMet. "So, I kind of took it as a sign that this season ended with 'Romeo and Juliet' in the Ohio Theatre, which I love, with the orchestra; it all felt like it was destiny that I should retire at the end of this season with this really special ballet."
"Romeo and Juliet" was choreographed by the company’s artistic director Edwaard Liang who will also be leaving at the end of the season to take on the same role at The Washington Ballet in Washington, D.C. Valentine had worked with Liang previously and, when he took the reins of the BalletMet, she came to Columbus for the opportunity to work with him again.
Valentine was grateful for all of the opportunities Liang had given her over the years as well as for the support from her fellow dancers at BalletMet.
"It is very bittersweet, but I've been living in the sweet right now," said Valentine. "Edwaard's 'Romeo and Juliet' is so special."
Valentine cited the complex character arcs that have been given to all of the characters, especially to Juliet, as one of the main reasons for her love of the piece.
"I get chills talking about it; to play it is so fulfilling," she explained. "Like I said, I've always wanted to retire to Juliet knowing it would be really special and...I didn't know how special it was going to be and I really feel it. I'm just trying to take it all in and just be grateful for it all."
BalletMet's "Romeo and Juliet" runs five shows from Friday, April 26 through Sunday, April 28.
For showtimes and ticket information, check out their website.