The anticipation and excitement surrounding BalletForte’s Nutcracker performances and Clara’s Nutcracker Tea is palpable.
CLARA AT THE PARTY SCENE (Sasha Parsons)
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On Friday, December 10, elementary and middle school students in Title I schools in Fort Bend, Lamar, Stafford and Houston are offered a field trip to observe day performances of The Nutcracker which includes an educational “behind the scenes” element. “One of the many high points for BalletForte is when we host performances for Title I schools. Over 2000 kids and youth attended last year. Usually the magic of the shows happens behind the curtains, but when these students visit us, we open up the curtains and allow them to see what really happens before, during and after the dancing,” said Jarrell. “If it inspires a child to work behind the scenes or dance, that’s great. Their reaction to the actual performance is always satisfying and amazing which is neat because this is the first exposure most of the kids have had to an actual ballet performance.” Adding to the celebration is a reunion performance of The Nutcracker. On Saturday, December 12th at the 7:30 p.m. show, past company members are invited to help celebrate the anniversary with on-stage recognitions and a reception. Numerous alumni from all over the region will be in attendance. In addition to the four, full-length performances of The Nutcracker, BalletForte also performs in Clara’s Nutcracker Tea. BalletForte Guild, the non-profit arm of BalletForte, will open the holiday season with the 11th Annual Clara’s Nutcracker Tea on December 5 at the Safari Texas Ranch. The Nutcracker cast will bring the story to life with excerpts from the ballet. Alisa Murray, nationally recognized portrait artist and award-winning columnist, will narrate this classic tale. “As an artist in the community, it is my pleasure and honor to participate in the story of Clara and The Nutcracker especially since I danced for 12 years and always looked forward to attending The Nutcracker each year as a child,” said Murray. The 2010 Claras are 13-year-olds Celeste Herweck and Isabel Araujo. BalletForte is inviting the past Claras to the tea in celebration of this anniversary year. Clara’s Nutcracker Tea has grown into quite an event in Fort Bend County with over 500 attendees last year. There is a high-energy buzz in the Grand Texas Ballroom as girls get dressed up, take pictures with Clara and meet the dancers. Finger sandwiches are also served as well as lemonade flowing from champagne fountains. The anticipation and excitement surrounding BalletForte’s Nutcracker performances and Clara’s Nutcracker Tea is palpable. This 15th anniversary celebration of classical ballet, live music and exceptional story-telling is a must-see for the young and old. Let’s not keep the Sugar Plum fairy and Clara waiting! FBF fort bend
THE BATTLE SCENE
POLICHINELLES
WALTZ OF THE FLOWERS (Standing: Christine Perry, Teresa leachman & Rebecca Cheney. Floor; Mallory Mehaffey, Kelly King & Kayla Hyde)
magazine • November 2010
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