Shreveport, La. — In a bright‑sunlit corner of downtown Shreveport, the Shreveport Metro Ballet and the Centenary Youth Orchestra joined forces to turn Emily Welsh’s beloved children’s book Pelican Lake into a moving ballet performance. The special presentation was part of the Red River Revel’s 50th‑year celebration, giving local students a chance to showcase their talents before the festival’s thousands of visitors.
Local talent takes center stage
The production featured a cast of young dancers from the Metro Ballet, accompanied by the youth orchestra’s lively strings and woodwinds. Together they narrated the story of a curious pelican and the lake that nurtures it, using expressive movement and music to bring the pages to life. Audience members, many of whom were families enjoying the festival’s food, art, and music, cheered as the children performed with confidence and joy.
Author Emily Welsh shares her excitement
Welsh, a Shreveport‑born author, said the experience was “so exciting” and “a memorable experience” for her. “I was so glad that the ballet and Centenary Youth Orchestra decided to do this fun collaboration to showcase for the 50th anniversary of the Revel,” she told reporters after the performance. The author’s presence added a personal touch, allowing children to hear directly from the creator of the story they were seeing unfold on stage.
Celebrating a milestone for the Revel
The Red River Revel, now in its 50th year, remains one of Shreveport’s signature cultural events. Organizers highlighted the performance as a prime example of the festival’s mission: to spotlight local arts organizations while providing family‑friendly entertainment. By featuring a homegrown story and local performers, the event reinforced the Revel’s role as a platform for community pride and artistic collaboration.
Impact on young artists
For the student participants, the performance offered more than a stage credit. It gave them a real‑world audience, experience working alongside a professional‑level youth orchestra, and a chance to interpret literature through movement. “It’s amazing to see our hard work appreciated by so many people,” said one of the ballet’s teenage dancers. The collaboration also underscores the importance of arts education in nurturing creativity and confidence among Shreveport’s youth.
Looking ahead
Organizers said the success of the Pelican Lake ballet will inspire future partnerships between local schools, arts groups, and the Red River Revel. As the festival continues to grow, planners hope to feature more performances that celebrate Shreveport’s unique stories and talent.
Visitors to the Revel can still enjoy a wide array of art exhibits, live music, regional cuisine, and family activities throughout downtown Shreveport. The festival runs through the weekend, offering ample opportunity for residents and tourists alike to experience the vibrant culture of the city.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
