Record attempt misses the mark, but raises funds
The Oregon Ballet Foundation came up short in its attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest ballet class yesterday, gathering 444 of the 531 dancers needed.
“We were really close and we had a great time,” said Megan Murphy, the executive director of the Oregon Ballet Foundation. She said they will try again next year to break the record.
Students and community members from Eugene and as far as Coos Bay and Gresham filled McArthur Court in the record-breaking attempt that was also a fundraiser for the non-profit organization.
Murphy said she thinks they raised “a couple thousand dollars,” which will mostly go toward scholarships for student dancers who can’t afford classes.
“We were hoping to raise at least that because we need money for scholarships,” she said, adding the organization plans to recruit more business sponsors for next year’s attempt.
Overall, Murphy said they gathered a diverse crowd, had a great time and are committed to continuing their efforts in breaking the world record.
– Tess McBride