European Guests

Performance Ensembles From Throughout Europe
Slated To Appear In More Than 70 Michigan Communities in 2011

Twin Lake - Twenty-one music, theater and dance ensembles from Germany, Belgium, Austria, Sweden and Denmark will visit more than 70 Michigan communities under the auspices of the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp International Exchange Program from June 18 - September 19, 2011.

The initiative reinforces the Blue Lake International Exchange Program’s mission to promote peace, understanding, goodwill and friendship through the arts.

“These performances will be a treat to communities in every part of Michigan, and are a great way to grow international understanding and relations at the local level” said Michigan Senator Carl Levin. “ The Blue Lake International Exchange Program has long promoted enhanced cultural understanding, sending thousands of Michigan artists to Europe and bringing international students here to learn in Michigan.”

Since its inception in 1969, the program has provided the opportunity for more than 11,000 Michigan students to participate in performing arts tours of Europe and has hosted more than 600 European and Asian groups in the state of Michigan.

According to program Founder and Director Gretchen Stansell, “Blue Lake’s International Exchange Program has created better understanding among the people of the world through cultural exchange, and our students have served as excellent ambassadors for Michigan and the United States.”

Although Blue Lake has hosted European performance groups in Michigan for forty years, the number of groups touring annually decreased dramatically following the events of September 11, 2001, and this past year only 6 European groups participated in the program. That number has exploded for the 2011 Season, more than tripling the number of European groups traveling annually to Michigan in partnership with Blue Lake.

“I believe what we are seeing is due in-part to improved acceptance of America’s foreign policy in Europe and a strengthening European economy,” said Blue Lake Founder and President Fritz Stansell. “It seemed appropriate to frame this significant infusion of European cultural guests as a state-wide performing arts initiative. It is also a fitting tribute to Blue Lake’s International Exchange Program, which has had an incalculable impact on helping to shape the lives of thousands of Michigan youth.”

While many businesses have struggled to survive during Michigan’s “great recession”, Blue Lake has continued to thrive. With an estimated annual economic impact in the millions, Blue Lake is often cited as a model for how non-profit arts organizations are not only making important cultural contributions, but also fueling our economy. In addition to the various components of its International program, Blue Lake enrolls more than 5,400 students in their summer camp division, operates two successful public radio stations, and is recognized as the largest provider of arts education to children and youth in Michigan.

“Blue Lake truly is one of Michigan’s gems,” said Michigan Governor Rick Snyder.  “From both cultural and economic standpoints, it contributes greatly to the quality of life that we enjoy.  Blue Lake also provides young artists with the opportunity to expand their horizons by participating in performing arts tours of Europe.  These talented individuals are outstanding ambassadors on behalf of Michigan and America, and we’re proud to have them represent us to the world.”

Communities confirmed to host the visiting European performance ensembles include  Adrian, Allen Park, Ann Arbor, Boyne City, Brighton, Constantine, East Lansing, Escanaba, Essexville, Evart, Fremont, Fowlerville, Grand Rapids, Grosse Pointe, Harbor Springs, Howard City, Iron Mountain, Kalamazoo, Lake Orion, Lansing, Marine City, Mackinaw, Marenisco, Marquette, Middleville, Midland, Monroe, Muskegon, Petoskey, Pinckney, Richmond, Rogers City, Roscommon, Royal Oak, St. Clair Shores, Sebewaing, South Lyon, Sparta, Spring Lake, Wayland, Whitehall and Wyandotte.

In addition, visiting European ensembles will make appearances in Illinois, Indiana, New York and Wisconsin.

For a complete schedule, pictures, and additional background on each visiting European performance ensemble, log on to www.bluelake.org/europeanguests

Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, a summer school of the arts located in Twin Lake, MI, offers fine arts education for all ages.  The summer camp annually serves gifted elementary, junior high, and high school students with diverse programs in music, art, dance, and drama, while offering public performances during its Summer Arts Festival. For more information call 800-221-3796 or log on to www.bluelake.org.

BL