Ragtime: The American Experience

Ballet 314’s compelling full-length ballet returns to the stage May 14, 2023 at 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM in the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center.

“Ragtime encapsulates the human experience in a richly textured and heart wrenching story that will lead you to re-examine the American dream.”

Ballet 314 Artistic Director Robert Poe’s energizing and historically informed production of Ragtime: The American Experience brings a unique re-telling of E.L Doctorow’s epic American novel. Three families from different racial and cultural backgrounds navigate the social change during the turn of the century in New York. We watch them face the impact of racism, police brutality, and domestic abuse while in pursuit of their American Dream.

During its premiere in 2021, Ragtime: The American Experience united local performers from The Big Muddy Dance Company, St Louis Ballet, Ashleyliane Dance Company, as well as Missouri Baptist University and was described as “a relevant and powerful social justice ballet” by attendees. Don’t miss this moving cultural experience!

Tickets are $40 and $25 for students.* For tickets visit touhill.universitytickets.com *Students may call the Touhill Box office (314) 516-4949 to receive this discount.

SPECIAL EVENT: Q&A LED BY JOANNA DEE DAS (2:00 PM) & ERICA HILL (7:00 PM)

Following each performance, participate in a Q&A with Ballet 314’s founders/directors Rachel Bodi and Robert Poe and the cast of Ragtime. FREE for ticket holders.