The Loyola University Ballet was recently recognized by the Big Easy Foundation at the 16th annual Tribute to the Classical Arts awards ceremony Tuesday, March 9, as a winner of the “Best Classical Ballet Production.”

The award was given for the 2009 performance of “The 100th Anniversary of the Ballets Russes,” directed by Loyola ballet director Laura Zambrano.

Carolyn Martin, a member of the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo school in New York, worked with Loyola dancers for the “Swan Lake” portion of the ballet.

Gayle Parmelee, associate professor emerita and coordinator of the Loyola Preparatory Ballet Program, trained Martin after training at Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo herself.

“I’m so proud of what we were able to accomplish and the opportunity to acknowledge those  we worked with,” Zambrano said after receiving the award. “To have that passed down to us was truly an experience. The whole concert celebrating Ballets Russes was so rich to bring to the Loyola community.”

Kelly Amstutz, history senior and dancer in the performance, feels that the award was well-deserved.

“It really feels like all our hard work has paid off,” Amstutz said. “I feel like it’s showing to the New Orleans community that Loyola has a good dance program.”

Kevin Zansler can be reached at [email protected]