NATCHEZ — Natchez holds a special place in Carolyn Ridley’s heart.

Somewhere near the special place she reserves for Natchez and its community is a place for ballet.

For the eighth year, Ridley is joining those two passions for an annual performance she helps organize in Natchez by Ballet Magnificat!, a Jackson-based Christian ballet company.

This year, in commemoration of Natchez’s 300th birthday, the ballet company will join with the Mississippi Mass Choir to present “Make Us One — A Night of Unity.”

The performance is set for 7 p.m., Aug. 12 at the Natchez City Auditorium.

Ridley said the ballet’s theme builds off the first official Natchez Tricentennial event that happened in January — a unity, prayer and praise service, which Ridley helped organize.

“It was so special, the spirit of unity that was there,” she said. “We had people from across the city, different ages and demographics. It was a very special service, so much so that we had people asking us if we could do something again.”

Ridley was already committed to the ballet, so with the help of Ballet Magnificat! Executive Director Keith Thibodeaux, Ridley carried over the theme of unity to the ballet performance.

“With 300 years as a city and moving forward, we just need as many opportunities as we can to come together on neutral ground, and what better place than through worshipping and singing and ballet?”

Ballet Magnificat! was founded in 1986 and travels around the world spreading a Christian message through dance, Tour Director Erin Beaver said.

“We perform all over the world, and there are a few people and places that are really special to us, and Natchez is one of them,” she said. “What makes it so special is the people, and I’m not just saying that. It’s a true statement.”

Ridley said the bonds formed between Natchez and Ballet Magnificat! extend beyond ballet.

“They have really become like family,” she said.

Ridley said she is grateful Natchez has formed a strong bond with the ballet company, because of the important work that is part of Ballet Magnificat!’s mission.

“I really draw a triangle with three Cs that focus on their work,” she said. “The first is community. Through their program, they give back to the community. The next is culture. The ballet is a cultural experience at an affordable rate. The last is Christ, it is a Christ-centered program and a beautiful way to present the gospel.”

The proceeds from the Natchez Ballet Magnificat! performance will benefit the Guardian Shelter, which provides services for victims of domestic violence.

Tickets are $20 and available at the Guardian Shelter thrift store at 624 Franklin St. or online at catholiccharitiesjackson.org/makeusone.

For more information about Ballet Magnificat!, visit balletmagnificat.com.