For 27 years, NEAD and NEDT have delighted audiences with their annual performance of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker. Now, for the third year in a row and in keeping with the spirit of giving this holiday season, they are pleased to offer a special benefit performance for organizations dedicated to helping underprivileged families and children. NEAD and NEDT have donated over $25,000 worth of Nutcracker tickets to organizations such as Malta House, Person to Person and Kids in Crisis, who will distribute these tickets to their clients; families and children who might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience the beauty of a live classical ballet performance.
“It is part of our mission, as a pre-professional ballet school, to give back to the community where we live and work,” says Ginna Ortiz, Co-Director. “Our dancers are delighted to offer the gift of their time and talent to bring the magic of classical ballet to this audience.”
NEAD and NEDT are dedicated to actively reaching out to the community in their very unique way, and to building an appreciation for performance art throughout the community. It is this desire to give back to others that has compelled NEDT to participate in productions such as Dancers Responding to AIDS, as well as interactive lecture-demonstration performances throughout the year.
This year’s Nutcracker dancers, ranging in age from 12 to 18, are thrilled to anticipate the energy and enthusiasm of this particular audience.
“We love this show,” says Emilie Kusher, the New Canaan High School senior who will dance the role of Clara. “Every show is special, but this audience gives us so much positive energy. They are so excited to see us dance. It is incredibly rewarding.”
The benefit performance is on Sunday, December 2nd at 1:00 pm. The public is invited to attend any of three full-length Nutcracker shows that NEDT and NEAD will perform on Friday, November 30th at 7:30 pm, Saturday, December 1st at 4:00 pm or Sunday, December 2nd at 4:00. There is also a special Act-II-Only show designed for younger children on Saturday, December 1st at 11:00 am. All performances will be at New Canaan High School. For ticket information, please visit www.neadance.com or call 203/972-3265 for more information.
