LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Louisville Ballet is putting classical musical on pause for one of its new projects with one of hip hop's biggest stars.

The ballet is preparing for the next few months with music by Jack Harlow, a Louisville native. It's a different pace and a different tone for dozens of company members for the Louisville Ballet.

The new production is called 502, featuring music by Harlow.

"It's fun for us to not be as kind of on top and pretty and get a little more grounded and still bring our technique to the picture but also have a little bit of flare for Jack," said dancer Leigh Anne Albrechta.

According to Dance USA, 27% of ballet patrons haven't been back since the COVID-19 pandemic. The Louisville Ballet was struggling to make ends meet and decided to change things up for a few shows.

"Ballet companies around the world are really focusing on how we can engage new patrons and audiences and certainly a younger audience to grow into the future to support Louisville Ballet," said Leslie Smart, Louisville Ballet CEO. 

Last year, Harlow made a $50,000 donation to the Ballet through his foundation, the Jack Harlow Foundation, after hearing about some tough financial times. Harlow said he hoped the donation would continue the Ballet's more than 70-year history as "an impressive pillar in our local arts community."

HARLOW BALLET

Louisville Ballet prepares for a performance in Louisville, Ky. on March 26, 2024.

Choreographer Ching Ching Wong was brought from Montreal for the 502 project that is still in its initial stages.

"One, it's something that can't be denied and two, the creative forces that start bubbling in me are astronomical," Wong said. 

Most of the company has some background in modern dance, but never together in a ballet setting. While the famous toe shoes will be there, the ballet desires to reach a younger audience.

"When certain pieces of classical music come on we all start bopping along but definitely when Jack's music comes on you look around the room and everybody's just kind of grooving on the side before they start doing their choreography, so it's a fun time," Daniel Scoffield said.

The Louisville Ballet will perform 502 at the Brown Theater Nov. 1-3. 

"I think the energy is what is going to really stand out to everybody," Leigh Anne said. "I think you are going to see the company in a whole different light you have never seen them before."

For more information about the Louisville Ballet, click here. The 2024-25 Louisville Ballet season is expected to be announced this spring.

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