Tutus may start appearing in Bellevue any time of day or night, rain or shine, as photographers both amateur and professional choose their favorite Ballet Bellevue dancer for a chance to win the $500 First Prize in Ballet Bellevue’s “This is YOUR Ballet Bellevue” Photo Contest. Prizes of $200 and $100 also will be awarded for second and third places.

The deadline for entries is Oct. 1.

To enter the contest, visit www.balletbellevue.org (entry fee $25). Ballet Bellevue’s photos of last season, courtesy of international photographer, Angela Sterling, inspired Bellevue resident, Matthew Rehrl, to open ballet photography to the community in a contest for Ballet Bellevue’s 2008-09 Season. Sterling will be the judge to select the three winning shots.

“This is YOUR Ballet Bellevue” is the theme chosen by Artistic Director, Jennifer Porter, for the 14th season of Bellevue’s own professional chamber ballet company. Dancers Caroline Burnett, Kara Rochelle Dominick, Kyle Johnson, Natasha Keeley, Alexa Kovalick, Katrina Muser and Christina Stockdale, are serving as models for the photo contest.

Winners will be announced at Ballet Bellevue’s “Harvest Moonlight” one night only performance at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct.11 at The Theatre at Meydenbauer. The work features works by Northwest choreographers, including world premieres by Stacy Lowenberg of Pacific Northwest Ballet and Natascha Greenwalt-Murphy of DASF. For tickets ($27 Adult, $22 Student/Senior, Group Discounts) call 425-455-1345 or ticketwindowonline.com 206-325-6500.

Ballet Bellevue also will bring back the children’s story, The Snowman, written by England’s Raymond Briggs with live orchestra performing the score of English composer, Howard Blake. Performances are Dec. 28 – Jan. 4 at The Theatre at Meydenbauer. Professional dancers may audition by appointment, and an audition for children’s roles is being held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20 at Ballet Arts Center, 204 100th Avenue N.E. For tickets and information call 425-455-1345.

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