Members of the Western Arkansas Ballet are asking community members and visitors to participate in a fundraising run and, if they wish, to don a tutu for a good cause.
Western Arkansas Ballet's fourth annual Tutu Run will include a 5K and 1/4 marathons at 9 a.m. Jan. 13 at Ben Geren Regional Park, 7200 Zero St., and the events will allow theater supporters and others to walk and run, said Melissa Schoenfeld, executive artistic director for Western Arkansas Ballet.
"Since this event takes place just after the New Year and right before the Fort Smith Marathon, it would be a great time to uphold a New Year's resolution and get ready for the marathon," she said. "People can walk or they can run, and tutus are highly encouraged."
Set to begin near the pavilion on the east side of Ben Geren Park, the marathons will raise money for Western Arkanas Ballet to help cover the costs of the group's performances, Schoenfeld said.
"The cool thing about this is, it is being held in January; we are hoping that it won't be as cold for the marathons as it is right now," she said with a laugh. "It will be a great time to get out and have contact with people in the Western Arkansas Ballet.
"We are hoping for runners and ballet people to collide for fun and for a good fundraiser," Schoenfeld added.
Marathon participants who are 9 and older can be chip-timed by Jaymax Race Timing Services. Prizes will be awarded for best tutus, with the awards ceremony set to begin at 11 a.m.
"Everyone who enters will receive a finisher's medal and a Bondy Band headband that is sponsored by True Grit Running," Schoenfeld said.
Registration for the marathons can be completed at waballet.org/events/fundraisers. Regisration for the 5K is $25 in advance and $35 on the day of the event. Registration for the 1/4 marathon is $35 in advance and $45 on the day of the event.
Registration also can be completed onsite at 8 a.m. Jan. 13.
"Last year, we had 100 people, so with good weather, we are hoping that we have more than that this year," Schoenfeld said. "It should be a great time, and it's always interesting to see the tutus that come out."
Awards will be given to the best male tutu and best female tutu, she said. Runners also will receive ribbons for first and second place in their respective age groups, Schoenfeld said.
"We think it will be a good thing if all age groups were represented at the Tutu Run," she said.
Schoenfeld said she hopes the event raises as much as $3,000 for Western Arkansas Ballet.
Jared Mesa, associate artistic director, also admitted to being optimistic while discussing the Tutu Run.
"The Tutu Run is a great event because we can share our love of dance with the runners in Fort Smith and the surrounding area," Mesa said. "And besides the art of dance, our studio and company like to promote healthy living styles."
The Western Arkanas Ballet recently performed its 32nd annual production of "The Nutcracker" at the ArcBest Corp. Performing Arts Center. The group currently is preparing for its next all-ages event, "Snow White and Other Dances." The upcoming event will feature performances that will begin at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. March 3 at the ArcBest Corp. Performing Arts Center.
"There will be 75 kids in 'Snow White,' and tickets will go on sale in the next couple of weeks," Schoenfeld said. "People can check our website at waballet.org to get information on tickets and the organization."
According to Schoenfeld, Western Arkansas Ballet students receive unique, highly rewarding experiences via dance.
"What I like is, our auditions are open to the public for our performances, and I like what we bring to the kids through dance," she said. "The kids learn a good work ethic.
"They learn how to not get things right the first time — that they have to work the process of learning," Schoenfeld added. "That builds the kids' confidence. That is what dance does for the kids in our area."