FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 2, 2025

CTAC School of Ballet Premieres “The Most Incredible Thing” June 13-14
Original, full-length ballet features local dancers, professional alumni, and a magical fairytale brought to life

PETOSKEY, Mich. — Crooked Tree Arts Center’s School of Ballet presents its 15th original, full-length production, “The Most Incredible Thing,” on Friday, June 13 at 7 p.m., and Saturday, June 14 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Harbor Springs Performing Arts Center.

Based on the 1870 fairytale by Hans Christian Andersen, “The Most Incredible Thing” tells the story of a king who announces a competition: he will offer his daughter’s hand in marriage to whoever can do the most incredible thing. Many try, but one man astounds everyone with a beautifully crafted clock that not only tells time but also reveals fantastic scenes at the strike of each hour. When a villain destroys it with brute force and claims that destruction is the most incredible thing, justice ultimately prevails—and the value of creation and virtue is upheld over destruction and deceit.

Each spring, the CTAC School of Ballet creates an original, full-length ballet featuring all students—from Beginning to Pre-Professional Ballet. This year’s production also includes four professional guest dancers, three of whom are proud alumni of the school. Rehearsals began in February, with six faculty members contributing choreography in styles ranging from classical ballet and contemporary dance to screendance, a type of choreography created for video.

“Working with Ms. Heather this year on the Villain role has been a real honor,” said dancer Callie Carlson. “She always pushes me a bit out of my comfort zone to create a character and a piece that I didn’t know was possible. I love that the Villain allows me to explore emotions I’ve never expressed through dance—it’s a completely new movement experience.”

Dancer Leif VanHorn, who plays the Inventor, describes the role as both fun and challenging: “It’s more of a brain teaser than a physical challenge, with intricate hand, arm, and leg movements. My favorite part of the process was to dive into the character himself; he’s a very interesting and unique person, which was fun to infuse into the dancing.”

This performance also marks the final curtain for several graduating seniors who have danced with the school since early childhood. Amelie Hanson, who has studied at CTAC since she was 3, reflects: “My time at the School of Ballet has been a whirlwind of growth. I’ve learned to leap, fly, motivate and advocate—and accomplish all my goals. From a ‘star’ in my first show in 2011 to a ‘planet’ in my last this June, I’m forever grateful and forever changed by my community that shaped me. I’ll carry these experiences with me as I meet new horizons, studying dance at Grand Valley State University.”

The production will showcase costume design by Petoskey High School student Halie Hume, who designed and helped sew seven unique costumes for the dancers portraying the Judges and Danish Nobility. “This opportunity has been an incredible learning experience. It pushed me to truly understand all the elements that go into costume design. No matter how challenging the process was, seeing my designs come to life has been a dream come true. I’m so grateful to Ms. Heather and the CTAC School of Ballet for giving me this chance.”

Proceeds from “The Most Incredible Thing” support the CTAC School of Ballet’s Dance Scholarship Fund, helping to ensure access to high-quality dance education for all students. Tickets are available at Crooked Tree Arts Center or online at crookedtree.org. Prices are $25 for adults, $5 for students and $50 for reserved seating.

About Crooked Tree Arts Center
Crooked Tree Arts Center’s mission is to create ways for people to connect, learn and grow through the arts. With campuses in Petoskey and Traverse City, CTAC offers exhibitions, concerts, classes, lectures and special events for all ages. Visit crookedtree.org or call 231-347-4337.

Media Contact:
Keely Bomee Platte, Marketing & Communications Manager
Crooked Tree Arts Center
231-550-6868 | keely@crookedtree.org

Crooked Tree Arts Center
461 E. Mitchell St.
Petoskey, MI 49770
231-347-4337
www.crookedtree.org