The great Russian choreographer George Balanchine is said to have described dance as "music made visible."

This will certainly be true April 25-26 as the Orangeburg Civic Ballet presents its annual spring show. This year's production is titled "Love Notes."

"It's a play on words," said Tamalyn Blackman, artistic director of the OCB. "Musical notes can stimulate emotions that we can convey through dance. This year, we have brought in a distinguished group of choreographers to explore the themes of love, music and dance. It is such a thrill to work with them, as they have each brought something different and exciting to the stage. It's been such a treat; the audience is going to love it!"

Each piece really does have an energy of its own. In the headline piece, choreographer Cammie Reed uses a combination of tap, jazz, modern and a little ballet to tell a humorous story in "Tammy and the Geek." Principle dancer Jennifer Coffey dances in the part of Tammy.

"If the geek is going to win my love, he's going to have to learn a few important lessons first," Coffey's Tammy said.

Reed, a former featured member of The Divine Street Dance Company, has won the approval of the dancers for this piece. Reed also choreographed "Blue Satin Sashes," featuring music from "The Sound of Music."

Ginny Hunt McElveen is no stranger to the OCB, as she has served as assistant director for many years and knows each dancer's style and personality. As a result, she produces the show's most direct fusion of music and dance in "Introduction to the Orchestra." This energetic dance will feature the dancers portraying different musical instruments. McElveen is also restaging the famous divertissement "Pas de Quatre," representing the infamous rivalry of four legendary ballerinas of the 19th century.

Dr. Ann Richardson has taught in the Richland School District's gifted and talented program for the 22 years. She selected a challenging piece from the popular Broadway production "West Side Story." Columbia native Elizabeth Druce worked with the company on a modern piece titled "Hide and Seek." Modern is such a flexible form that it was also selected by Dr. Sandra Rouse of Voorhees College for her dance piece, which is simply named "Feelings."

Ann Marie Holstad, who won numerous awards and accolades while earning her bachelor's degree in dance, worked with fellow Winthrop University alum Natalie Hunt on the featured senior dance "Reflections." This is a bittersweet performance, as it highlights the company's seniors in their final performance as OCB members. Two of these girls were extended invitations to join the Dance Department at the University of South Carolina.

"It's a nice reflection on the OCB, as it gives an indication of the hard work and the quality represented within the company," Blackman said.

"I'm proud of them, but I'm equally proud of all of my seniors. They are beautiful young people and have represented Orangeburg very well."

Holstad also choreographed a modern-tap piece, "Slippers, Stilettos, and Sneakers." The beat is provided by the dancers, who perform without any music.

One dance is choreographed by Blackman, restaged from the original choreography by Ann Bebergal. "The Garland Dance" is drawn from the classic ballet "Sleeping Beauty."

Mark your calendar to attend this year's presentation of "Love Notes." Performances are 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 25, and 3 p.m. Sunday, April 26, at Stevenson Auditorium. Advance tickets are available at the Orangeburg County Fine Arts Center, Piggly Wiggly or Tamalyn's Dance Centre. Tickets will also be available at the door.

For more information, call Tamalyn's Dance Centre at 803-533-0017.

If you go ...

What: "Love Notes," presented by the Orangeburg Civic Ballet

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday, April 25-26

Where: Stevenson Auditorium

Tickets: Available in advance at the Orangeburg County Fine Arts Center, Piggly Wiggly or Tamalyn's Dance Centre; tickets will also be available at the door

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