New to the stage this year are two young students from the Company’s recently launched Explorer Dance program, a dance class for children with Down Syndrome.
Nine-year-old Annah Huisman and fourteen-year-old Maggie Fisher, of the Explorer Dance Class, take the DeVos Hall stage for the first time as party girls in the Act I street scene of The Nutcracker. “These girls are so excited to be part of the production. They have been working very hard in class and will shine on stage,” says Explorer Dance instructor Amanda Sekelsky. “I am proud of what they have learned and thrilled to have them included in the Company’s production.”
Grand Rapids Ballet introduced the Explorer Dance program in the summer of 2010. This class, designed for children ages 6-14 with Down Syndrome, teaches the concepts of rhythm, coordination, balance, and spatial awareness. The inclusive, creative environment allows students the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of ballet movement while discovering new possibilities. The program is sponsored by Amway’s One by One Campaign.
Performances include four matinees, Dec. 4, 5, 11 and 12; and six evening shows, Dec. 3, 4, 5, 10, 11 and 12. Tickets may be purchased through Ticketmaster at 1.800.982.2787, http://www.ticketmaster.com/ or at the Ballet or DeVos Hall Box Offices. Prices range from $20-$53 with discounts available for children, seniors, and groups.
Nine-year-old Annah Huisman and fourteen-year-old Maggie Fisher, of the Explorer Dance Class, take the DeVos Hall stage for the first time as party girls in the Act I street scene of The Nutcracker. “These girls are so excited to be part of the production. They have been working very hard in class and will shine on stage,” says Explorer Dance instructor Amanda Sekelsky. “I am proud of what they have learned and thrilled to have them included in the Company’s production.”
Grand Rapids Ballet introduced the Explorer Dance program in the summer of 2010. This class, designed for children ages 6-14 with Down Syndrome, teaches the concepts of rhythm, coordination, balance, and spatial awareness. The inclusive, creative environment allows students the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of ballet movement while discovering new possibilities. The program is sponsored by Amway’s One by One Campaign.
Performances include four matinees, Dec. 4, 5, 11 and 12; and six evening shows, Dec. 3, 4, 5, 10, 11 and 12. Tickets may be purchased through Ticketmaster at 1.800.982.2787, http://www.ticketmaster.com/ or at the Ballet or DeVos Hall Box Offices. Prices range from $20-$53 with discounts available for children, seniors, and groups.
