Dear Wilmington Ballet Families and Friends,
Perhaps you've heard us in the studios: "5,6,7,8!" As artistic directors, we are beginning to teach the dancers to count the music. As arts administrators, we have been counting enrollment, revenue, and inventory. (Whoever said you won't use math class if you're a ballerina?!) And now, we are counting on you — the Board, the Guild, and our families — to support our artistic vision with volunteer hours and donations. The dancers are counting on us! And together, as we continue to make positive changes at WB and in the community, we realize that what we do counts, and we are encouraged to keep up our efforts.
Our best to you,
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Buy a Breast Cancer Awareness Coffee Mug, and We'll Donate to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation
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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so we'll "double D" the price of our Nutcracker Breast Cancer Awareness Mugs in our online boutique to $10! $5 per mug sold in October will be donated to the
Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Click here to order your new mug from the comfort of your phone. And remember to schedule your mammogram!
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Tickets are now on sale
for the beloved Wilmington Ballet holiday tradition, the 52
nd annual Nutcracker, at the historic Playhouse on Rodney Square — where Victorians party, mice battle, snowflakes swirl, and visions of sugarplums dance in your head!
Performances will be Saturday, December 8 at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, December 9 at 2 and 6 p.m.
Tickets are $10, $20, $35, or $40.
Joining the cast of over 100 Wilmington Ballet Academy dancers will be guest artists
Russell Janzen
and
Unity Phelan
of the New York City Ballet, as well as a guest company from the HAC School of Dance. The performance will also once again feature the Voloshky Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, plus the Wilmington Ballet Orchestra and Chorus.
Optional individual cast portraits with Ali Gayle Photography will be taken at the studios on Sunday, October 14, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
A sign-up sheet is now posted at the studios. Proceeds from the photo sales will benefit WB. Look for a separate email with photo shoot details very soon.
Cast members: Please
preorder
your Nutcracker 2018 DVDs, flower bouquets, and commemorative poster now. Preorders for costume requirements (shoes, tights, and undergarments), lunches, and merchandise will begin October 6 on our website.
The deadline for all preorders is November 1.
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Pictured above is our 2018 Nutcracker Sugarplum Fairy, and New York City Ballet soloist, Unity Phelan.
WB Nutcracker cast members can meet Unity and her Cavalier, Russell Janzen, and get a photo/autograph with them at the theater between performances on Saturday, December 8, from 4 to 5 p.m. (Sorry, cast members only.)
Does your business want to place a full color ad in our 2018 Nutcracker program book?
Click here.
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Pictured above is our
2018 Nutcracker commemorative poster and program cover, professionally designed by
Aloysius, Butler & Clark.
There are 100 limited-edition 11x17 inch posters now available for preorder on our website. Get yours autographed by Unity Phelan and Russell Janzen! (See details below.)
Click here to
d
ownload your 2018 Nutcracker flier!
Please print and distribute as many as you'd like and help us spread the word about our performances.
Remember to like and share our Instagram and Facebook posts. Use #wilmingtonballet. Thanks for the free press!
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10 Things You May Not Know About Ballet and Wardrobe Master Karen Hostler
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- She has been teaching at WB since 2006, and is the longest-tenured faculty member.
- Her favorite movie is Carousel.
- Her son was a semi-famous heavy metal drummer in the band Solitude. Rock on!
- She loves Barry Manilow and Josh Groban. (Don't we all?)
- She's a breast cancer survivor.
- Her favorite ballet is Sir Kenneth MacMillan's Romeo and Juliet.
- She is most inspired by the dedication and commitment of her adult-class students.
- Her favorite costume she's ever made is "all of them."
- Her favorite dance steps to teach are pas de basque and adagio.
- She's an introvert that masquerades as an extrovert.
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Come Wine with the Ballet Guild
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Do you like to drink and think of ways to help the ballet? The Wilmington Ballet Guild wants you! As the "PTA" of the ballet, the Ballet Guild will help WB meet our volunteer needs and provide a base of support for our artistic, community-building, and fundraising endeavors. All dance parents, alumni, and friends of the ballet are welcome to join!
Click here to sign up for Nutcracker volunteer positions.
Monthly meetings at the studios will be held on the first Saturday of the month —
the next meeting will be on Saturday, October 6, from 4 to 4:45 p.m. On the agenda are
The Nutcracker and the Disco Ball.
Email us to join the Ballet Guild.
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A variety of wines, courtesy of Franks Wine, will be served at every Ballet Guild meeting. Cheers!
Franks Wine
is the official sponsor of the Wilmington Ballet Guild.
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Hustle and Bump at the Disco Ball
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Saturday, October 27, from 6 to 9 p.m.
, join us for a family-friendly FUNdraising event at the studios. Dress up and get down in your favorite ’60s, ’70s, or ’80s outfit with our DJ, and hip-hop master, Clyde Evans. Prizes for best costumes and dance moves include the best seats in the house for
The Nutcracker
! Your adult ticket includes admission to our
Twin Lakes Brewing Company
beer garden, with two drink tickets. All tickets include an all-you-can-eat pizza buffet provided by
Gianni’s Pizza
of Trolley Square.
$20 Adults 21+ • $10 Kids under 21
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Important Dates to Remember
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October 2 Ballet class for adults/alumni with
Mr. Hutchinson, 7 to 8:15 p.m.
October 5 Friday Variety: Contemporary with Linnea
Calzada-Charma
October 6 Ballet Guild meeting; dancers may wear WB spirit wear in class
October 8 Monday
Adult Jazz & Musical Theatre Class
with Christopher Davis, 7 to 8:15 p.m. (instead of ballet)
October 12 Friday Variety: Jazz & Musical Theatre with Diane Lynch
October 14 Nutcracker cast optional individual portrait photos with Ali Gayle Photography
October 19 Friday Variety: Contemporary with Linnea Calzada-Charma
October 26 Friday Variety: Musical Theatre with Kate Forehand
October 27 Disco Ball FUNdraiser, 6 to 9 p.m.
October 29 Q2 classes begin; tuition charged
October 31 Halloween costumes may be worn in class
November 1 Deadline for all Nutcracker cast preorders
November 3 Ballet Guild meeting; dancers may wear WB spirit wear in class
November 13 Ballet Board meeting
December 8 & 9
The Nutcracker
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LIKE and FOLLOW US!
SHARE OUR POSTS!
#wilmingtonballet #nutcracker
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Boyd's Flowers
is the official florist of the Wilmington Ballet. They will provide all of our Nutcracker performance bouquets!
Preorder yours now
, and pick them up during intermission. Give them to your dancer after the performance. Proceeds benefit WB. Orders are due by November 1.
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Caffe Gelato is the official caterer of the Wilmington Ballet Nutcracker. They will be providing discounted cast lunches between the performances.
Preorder your lunches
beginning October 6. Orders are due by November 1.
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COMING NEXT MONTH:
WB and HAC School of Dance Team Up • Nutcracker News • WB Receives Grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts •
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