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The Community Foundation of West Chester/Liberty, the Lakota East and West Upbeat Clubs and a group of West Chester and Liberty residents are working to bring the Cincinnati Ballet to West Chester Twp. for a performance in February. Proceeds from the performance, tentatively scheduled for Feb. 4 at the Lakota Freshman Building, would go to support music programs at both Lakota high schools.

West Chester Twp. resident Larry Brueshaber, one of the people working on the fundraiser, said the idea for the event grew out of the success of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra's performance at the Freshman Building in October. That event raised $15,000 to support the Lakota West Marching Band's trip to march in The Rose Bowl Parade.

"The ballet heard how successful the CSO was when they brought it out," said Brueshaber. "The ballet then approached us about doing something."

Cincinnati Ballet executive director Paul Kaine said the idea worked well with their efforts to become more engaged in Butler and Warren counties.

"We recognize there's been tremendous growth in the area," he said, "and the demographics of the area are rich in people who typically patronize the arts."

"It's probably a priceless opportunity," said Children's Performing Arts of Lakota co-founder Ben Dibble. "It's fortunate we have this opportunity locally rather than having to go down to Music Hall."

Kaine confirmed the performance will include selections from the company's February production of Romeo and Juliet, along with other to-be-determined selections.

"I know for sure we're going to be bringing our lead dancers," he said. "We're not going to be bringing the full company, but we will be bringing the upper echelon of the company."

Brueshaber said the ballet has offered to come to West Chester Twp. for only the cost of moving the necessary cast and equipment, estimated at around $9,000.

"If we'll cover the basic setup costs," Brueshaber said, "they'll do this as a service to the local music programs."

Community foundation President Cindy Hepp said the foundation is managing event sponsorship donations, at $500 per sponsorship. She said confirmed that three donors have already given $500 each to support the event.

Brueshaber said tickets will be sold online through the Upbeat Clubs' web sites, lakotaeastbands.org and lakotawestbands.org. As with the CSO performance, a limited number of patron tickets will be available for a post-performance reception, he said.

Brueshaber said more information will be made announced as the concert nears.

For information on sponsorship, contact the Community Foundation of West Chester/Liberty at (513) 874-4540.

Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5127 or mcunningham@coxohio.com.