Fletcher Barr has always liked music. He began Kindermusic at the young age of two. And music and the arts have always been a part of his family. But it wasn’t until kindergarten that he discovered his true calling: dance.
At age five, Fletcher began dancing with the company at Johnson’s Dance Studios. He quickly landed parts in their performance of The Nutcracker and their spring show.
“Dancing is my sport,” Fletcher said.
And just like any dedicated athlete, Fletcher practices his craft. He has joined the Evansville Ballet, where he dances over four hours per week. He has danced in many performances with Evansville Ballet and has developed a true passion for dance. While the fourth grader has tried his hand, or rather feet, in many other styles, Fletcher says, “My main focus is ballet.”
Moving to a larger company has given Fletcher more opportunity, including finding other males that enjoy dance as well. Through this company Fletcher has met male ballet dancers that have developed successful dance careers. Fletcher’s parents, John Barr and Leigh Jackson, are excited that these dancers have inspired their son to use ballet as a springboard to travel the world.
Fletcher has already set his goals high, determined to one day join the Royal Ballet in London.
“It will be cool to see different cultures in the world,” Fletcher said.
Fletcher’s parents are strong proponents of the arts for children because they have seen what a difference it has made in their son, an accomplished dancer, a musician and artist.
“Fletcher is strong academically,” John and Leigh said. “Music has helped him with math. [Because of dance,] Fletcher has a lot more confidence than other boys his age.”
Even more, they contend, “A lot of kids in the arts are just happy. They have a different view on life.”
When their son began dancing he did not want others to know. But with his gain in confidence, Fletcher is now proud of his sport. And he has since found that his friends are very accepting of his passion and he has never experienced any bullying.
Fletcher simply says, “I liked the arts and became really good at them and never stopped.”