News Release
November 29, 2005
Swansea Ballet's Dedicated Dancers Present The Nutcracker Sunday, Dec. 4 And Monday, Dec. 5
Swansea Ballet, a group of 26 ballet students from seven different DPS schools, will present The Nutcracker at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4 and at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5. Both performances will be presented at Edison Elementary School (3350 Quitman St.).
As the Swansea Ballet students recreate the Hoffman classic "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" on stage in vibrant holiday themed costume, they will showcase the Cecchetti ballet technique that they have developed after school at Edison Elementary School.
Swansea Ballet Nutcracker tickets will be available for purchase at Edison Elementary School prior to each performance for $10.
The Swansea Ballet dancers range from age four to age thirteen and are taught by Esther Smith, a former dancer who is now a Denver Public Schools teacher. Smith began the Swansea Ballet in the fall of 2000 with four students.
"I wanted to offer quality dance instruction to students who might not otherwise have the opportunity," said Smith.
Smith collaborated with four professional dancers from the David Taylor Dance Theatre to prepare the students for this year's performance. The students began classes in September and attend rehearsals three days a week.
The hard work is paying off for all of the students. Eight of the Swansea Ballet dancers auditioned and were selected to perform in the David Taylor Dance Theatre performance of the Nutcracker, which features their new instructors.
Depending upon the students' age and skill they are placed into one of two levels. There is a suggested tuition of $100 per semester for lower level classes and $150 per semester for upper level classes; however no student is ever turned away. To date, over 1,000 hours of free ballet instruction have been taught.
"Creating the opportunity for the students to learn is beyond me," Smith said. "The parents and the community deserve all of the credit."
Swansea Ballet is funded in part by Lights on Afterschool - a fundraising initiative that is headed by the Denver Public Schools Foundation and Mile High United Way. The Sugar Plum Sponsor of the Nutcracker is The Riverfront Community Park Foundation. Swansea Ballet is also funded by the Denver Foundation. Many local businesses and community members have also contributed financially to the event.
For more information contact Esther Smith at 303-433-0339 or visit www.swanseaballet.org.