RALEIGH, N.C. — Theatre, music, and dance halls are still shut down across North Carolina due to COVID-19, leaving members of the arts community feeling the devastating impact.

Choreographers, set and costume designers, venues, and the artists themselves are all struggling while waiting for the moment they can get back to the jobs and fans they love.

Since the pandemic struck, professional dancers with the Carolina Ballet have been practicing from home using virtual sites like Zoom to connect to fellow dancers. But after months of isolation, they’re finally coming together with each other, accompanying artists, and the North Carolina Theatre, for a new and unique virtual performance.

Recognizing the Arts is a free, virtual event that aims to celebrate the talented artists and art makers in the Triangle, and thank those who continue to support their work.  One of the principle dancers, Lara O'Brien, sat down with Spectrum News 1 anchor Caroline Blair for a preview of the online and free event, and a look ahead to the future of ballet.

If you would like to watch and support Recognizing the Arts, the show takes place on the stage of Red Hat Amphitheatre in Raleigh at 7 p.m. on Saturday, September 26. The performance will stream for free on the Carolina Ballet's YouTube channel.

Note:  Red Hat Amphitheater will not host an audience for this performance to comply with the City of Raleigh’s COVID-19 health and safety recommendations. This is a virtual event.