Greenwich Ballet Academy to Hold Annual Fundraiser Event “First Snow”

GREENWICH, Conn. - Oct. 10, 2013 - PRLog -- Greenwich Ballet Academy (GBA) (http://greenwichballetacademy.org/) announced today, its  third annual Nutcracker fundraising event “First Snow,” that will be held Saturday, November 9th from 7-10 PM. The name was derived from their first full Nutcracker performance in 2011, which incorporated the First Act of the ballet which includes the Waltz of the Snow and Snow Queen Pas de Deux. “First Snow” became a GBA tradition after a Greenwich snowstorm coincided with the party three years ago, serving as a reminder of the possibility of a first seasonal snow.

This year’s event offers entertainment for ballet enthusiasts and spectators alike with a gala that offers intimate cocktails and a dinner buffet that celebrates the rich history and tradition of Russian culture as well as the impact on ballet and the Nutcracker. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample traditional Russian desserts highlighted in the Second Act of the Nutcracker. For those interested in attending the benefit, GBA asks that they contact Brooke Donatelli to have an invitation mailed to them at 914-305-4377 or brooke@greenwichballetacademy.org.

“For the past few years ‘First Snow’ has served as an exciting overture to The Nutcracker,” said Yuri Vodolaga, GBA’s Artistic Director. “It really amplifies the excitement surrounding the upcoming seasonal favorite.”

Key Dates: Those attending “First Snow” will receive premium tickets to the Greenwich Ballet Academy’s Nutcracker. The RSVP date to respond is November 5th which guarantees premium patron seating at the performances. GBA Nutcracker tickets for the general public will be available for the first time, online, beginning on November 10th. Performances for this holiday favorite will be held on Saturday, December 7 at 3PM and Sunday, December 8 at 2PM.

Both performances will be held at Greenwich High School with free parking and easy, accessible ticketing (see website greenwichballetacademy.org beginning November 10).

Greenwich Ballet Academy prides itself on a superior level of talent among its students.  Graduates and current students have excelled on an International level winning coveted awards at the Youth American Grand Prix, acceptance to top level dance programs including Juilliard and this past summer GBA alumna Katherine Higgins received a contract with the Boloshi Theatre Company. This year’s production of the Nutcracker will showcase some of the most talented GBA students.  Amanda Kraus of Mount Kisco, NY will dance the role of Sugarplum Fairy.  Marie Jose Esquivel of Stamford, CT will dance the Snow Queen Pas de Deux and returning from last year’s production is Elisabeth Beyer of Rye, NY who will dance the role of Clara. Aidan Buss of Old Greenwich, CT will dance the role of Prince.

“It’s important to us that all students with an interest in ballet are given every possible opportunity to participate,” said Mr. Vodolaga. “The ability to work alongside our most talented and senior students and receive the highest quality instruction has really propelled these performances to near professional levels.”

What makes Greenwich Ballet Academy’s production special is the inclusion of all of the Academy dancers in the Nutcracker. Many Pre-Academy students will be performing in their very first Nutcracker. Students in levels 1-8 will have at least two rolls in the Nutcracker while some have as many as five roles. The students are given a wealth of opportunities to perform as well as receive pre-professional training in classical ballet. The program is open and welcomes all dedicated students of classical ballet, regardless of whether or not they intend to become professional dancers.

“Greenwich Ballet Academy attracts students from the tri-state area as young as 5 years of age through high school,” said new GBA chairman, Jeanne Hendrickson. “This is unique in that each and every student is provided quality stage experience, which is essential to their development as a dancer. I’m thrilled to be associated with these dedicated students.”

About Greenwich Ballet Academy

The Greenwich Ballet Academy (http://greenwichballetacademy.org/) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) institution that nurtures talented dancers, ages 4-21, toward careers in classical ballet and contemporary dance with a unique emphasis on the Russian Vaganova method of instruction. GBA is the only school in the lower Fairfield and Westchester County area to offer this specialized type of training.

The professional faculty also provides classes in modern and character dance, and contemporary ballet. Small classes, taught by renowned professionals, ensure that each student is given the personal attention and instruction needed to reach her/his ultimate potential. The Academy takes great care in directing each of its students on an individual path toward excellence.

Our goal is to make classical ballet and contemporary dance accessible to any talented child with a dream of being a professional dancer, and to give each student an opportunity to acquire the needed skills and stage experience crucial to her/his future in dance.

GBA students have earned accolades at international ballet competitions and have joined professional ballet companies. For more information on performances and training, please visit the GBA website: www.greenwichballetacademy.org.

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Press Contact: Andrew Buss or Jeanne Hendrickson

andrewbuss1@gmail.com   (203) 918-5750

jeanne.j@turnstile.com (203) 981-8720