Press
DanceVision responds to the community’s hunger for a fresh holiday tradition:
The Snow Queen returns this December
Princeton, NJ, September 1 –DanceVision is thrilled to announce the return of its original ballet, The Snow Queen, choreographed by Artistic Director Risa Kaplowitz. This fresh holiday ballet premiered to sold-out audiences last year at Kendall Theater, The College of New Jersey, and will return December 15 and 16 with an added show to accommodate the popularity of the new holiday tradition.
Presented by the DanceVision Performance Company, The Snow Queen tells the tale of a young girl’s courageous journey to rescue her beloved from the beautiful, yet evil Snow Queen. Based on the classic Hans Christian Andersen story, the ballet is performed to an original score that includes music by Rimsky-Korsakov and Edvard Grieg. In addition to the enchanting and spirited music and the unique and exciting choreography, The Snow Queen features projection artwork as its backdrop. Through this engaging technique, the audience is carried on a journey with the characters as they dance from the lively Scandinavian village square to the Snow Queen’s frigid ice castle.
DanceVision’s dedication to enriching the community with quality dance experiences is exemplified through this production. The Snow Queen provides a fresh take on a classic tale; it is riveting and intricate in its attempt to bring literature to life through dance. “The story is magical and compelling. It has all the components of a great tale: adventure, humor, joy, and heart. The cast of characters is so diverse and fun; it includes robbers, a sorceress, doves, a raven, ice maidens, snow bees, a prince and princess, and even a devil,” explains Artistic Director Risa Kaplowitz. Adults and children alike will enjoy the story, and the characters that guide the audience through it.
When it debuted in 2011, The Snow Queen blew a breath of fresh air into a stale holiday theatre scene. Rather than attending yet another Nutcracker performance, New Jersey families flocked to this original holiday ballet; and they were not disappointed. "I was absolutely blown away by the [ballet]. I couldn’t stop talking about it. Everything was so beautiful: the colors, the lighting, the costumes, the telling of the story and of course the dancing. I loved it!” commented Jody Wood, Director of JW Actors Studio, after the premiere event last December. Don’t miss out on this special holiday event that has the community raving!
The Snow Queen will be performed December 15th at 7pm and December 16th at 12pm and 4pm at Kendall Theater, The College of New Jersey. Tickets start at just $20 and are on sale now at www.dancevisionnj.org or by phone 609-771-2775. Group discounts are available for organizations as well as student/senior discounts. For more information, email info@dancevisionnj.org.
DanceVision’s The Secret Garden Blooms This Spring
Princeton, NJ, January 30- DanceVision is pleased to announce its fifth annual production of The Secret Garden, an original ballet choreographed by Artistic Director Risa Kaplowitz. The Secret Garden will come to life onstage at Kendall Hall, The College of New Jersey on April 28th at 7pm and April 29th at 2pm.
Based on the classic book by Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden is danced to music by Claude Debussy and Jules Massenet. Presented by the DanceVision Performance Company, The Secret Garden features sixty of the community’s most talented pre-professional dancers. DanceVision Performance Company provides professional stage experience to these highly trained young dancers by casting them in principal roles.
The ballet provides a fresh look at the classic story of growth, loss, revival, and love. Artistic Director, Risa Kaplowitz, is passionate about DanceVision’s mission to bring literature to life through dance and has created two original works—The Secret Garden and the recently premiered Snow Queen—to bring this experience to the community. Ms. Kaplowitz reflects on the process of bringing classic tales to life: “When writing the synopsis for both The Secret Garden and The Snow Queen, I realized that it often took me three sentences to relate what only a few gestures or dance movements could convey. Dance truly is the universal language.”
Now in its fifth year, The Secret Garden, is a well-attended spring tradition for community members of all ages. From the timeless love story between Lilias and Craven to the acrobatic squirrels, hopping bunnies, and blooming rosebuds, the ballet has something for everyone. The Secret Garden is a perfect way for families to celebrate spring after a long, dreary winter. Come out and enjoy an original, affordable, professional-quality ballet about friendship, renewal, and the wonder of nature.
Join us in The Secret GardenApril 28th at 7pm and April 29th at 2pmat Kendall Hall, The College of New Jersey, 2000 Pennington Rd, Ewing, NJ 08628. Advance ticket prices are $20 for Adults and $15 for Seniors and Students.Visit www.dancevisionnj.org to purchase tickets or call the box office at 609-771-2775. At the door tickets will be $25 for Adults and $20 for Seniors and Students. DanceVision is pleased to offer group discounts for organizations; please contact info@dancevisionnj.org or call 609-520-1020. For more information on The Secret Garden, DanceVision, and our upcoming events, visit www.dancevisionnj.org.
Community welcomes original ballet,
The Snow Queen, with open arms
Princeton, NJ- January 5, 2012, DanceVision's original holiday ballet, The Snow Queen, premiered on December 17th and 18th to packed houses at Kendall Theater, The College of New Jersey.
"It was just magnificent, breathtakingly beautiful in every way. There wasn’t an empty seat in the house," one family commented at the premiere. The performances were well attended and well received by audience members, including children, adults, dancers, choreographers, critics and teachers.
Choreographed by Artistic Director Risa Kaplowitz, The Snow Queen provided a fresh alternative this holiday season to the usual local dance fare. "I had a great time. It was a relief to not be seeing yet another Nutcracker! The dancers were beautiful....You've really created something special!" said a former New York City Ballet principal ballerina who attended the performance. Presented by the DanceVision Performance Company, the ballet featured pre-professional dancers in all principal roles. DanceVision believes in providing the highest quality dance education and performance opportunities while fostering artistic excellence and professionalism among young, emerging dancers. The premiere of The Snow Queen gave each of the 60 dancers an opportunity to shine.
This is the second ballet Ms. Kaplowtiz has choreographed for DanceVision. Her first, The Secret Garden, premiered in 2008 and has been a Spring tradition ever since. Now, The Snow Queen is DanceVision and the community's new Winter holiday tradition. "I was absolutely blown away by the piece. I couldn’t stop talking about it…everything was so beautiful, the colors, the lighting, costumes, the telling of the story and of course the dancing. I loved it! I left the theater feeling so good," says Jody Wood, Founder of JW Actors Studio.
In addition to providing excellent performing experience and training to the young dancers, DanceVision added educational and outreach components to the premiere weekend. DanceVision Performance Company's production manager and costume designer hosted a pre-show talk for groups that attended the show. The talk included a brief history of ballet, a synopsis of The Snow Queen, an up-close look at pointe shoes, as well as an appearance by an Ice Maiden in costume! DanceVision was able to invite children from HomeFront, an organization fighting homelessness in Mercer County, to attend the premier performance. After the show, the children were brought backstage for an insider's look at the stage, and to get autographs and take pictures with the dancers.
"What a great pleasure it is/was to have your production at TCNJ. Thank you for all you are doing for the community," says John Laughton, Dean of Arts and Communication at The College of New Jersey. DanceVision's mission is to enrich the community with quality dance experiences, including performances, school residencies, and dance festivals. DanceVision is already gearing up for its Spring season and the fifth annual production of The Secret Garden, April 28th and 29th at Kendall Hall, TCNJ. Auditions for The Secret Garden are open to the public and will be held on January 21 at Princeton Dance and Theatre Studio, Forrestal Village, Princeton, NJ. To learn more about DanceVision, auditions, upcoming performances, and festivals, please visit www.dancevisionnj.org.
DanceVision creates a new holiday tradition:
The Snow Queen
Princeton, NJ- November 29, 2011- DanceVision is pleased to bring to the community the original ballet, The Snow Queen, choreographed by Artistic Director Risa Kaplowitz and danced by the DanceVision Performance Company. After producing the usual holiday ballet for several years, Kaplowitz decided to start a new tradition, bringing the captivating Hans Christian Andersen story of The Snow Queen to the stage December 17th and 18th.
DanceVision productions provide a unique experience for audience members and dancers alike. Not only do audience members get to see a fresh rendition of a classic tale told through the language of dance, but the dancers also receive the challenge and reward of performing original choreography. While many companies in the area hire out their lead roles, DanceVision Performance Company does not import professionals to dance the principal parts; instead, our trained dancers rise to the occasion and help to fulfill DanceVision’s mission of bringing professional-quality productions to the community and fostering local talent.
In addition to the talents of over 60 community members, audiences will enjoy seeing for the first time 140 new costumes grace the stage. Crafted by DanceVision’s costumers and volunteers, these majestic pieces have traveled from as far as India, Greece, and France. “Everything about this production is fresh, original and exciting,” says DanceVision Board member Cadence Bowden. “It is so nice to walk into the studio for rehearsals, and instead of hearing the same old waltz of the flowers, this new intriguing music is booming through the speakers.” Kaplowitz spent hundreds of hours listening to music in order to develop the original score that will carry the story of The Snow Queen.
DanceVision’s mission is to enrich the community with quality dance experiences including performances, school residencies, and dance festivals. Part of this mission is fulfilled by bringing classic literature to life through dance. Kaplowitz successfully accomplished this goal when she created The Secret Garden in 2008, and is eager to bring her next work to the community. “The story is magical and compelling. It has all the components of a great tale: adventure, humor, joy, and heart. The cast of characters is so diverse and fun; it includes robbers, a sorceress, doves, a raven, ice maidens, snow bees, a prince and princess, and even a devil,” Kaplowitz explains.
The Snow Queen premieres December 17th at 7pm and December 18th at 2pm at Kendall Hall, The College of New Jersey. Tickets are on sale now at www.dancevisionnj.org or by phone 609-771-2775. Group discounts are available for organizations, for more information, email info@dancevisionnj.org. You can follow the magic of creating a brand new ballet! Check out our blog, http://www.dvsnowqueen.blogspot.com to get a behind-the-scenes look at the new holiday tradition, The Snow Queen!
A fresh holiday tale for the 2011 performance season:
The Snow Queen comes to central New Jersey
PRINCETON, N.J. – November 7, 2011 - A new take on Hans Christian Andersen’s famous tale, The Snow Queen, will capture the imaginations of children and the young at heart of all ages this winter, offering holiday revelers an alternative to the traditional Nutcracker.
Risa Kaplowitz, cofounder of the not-for-profit organization, DanceVision (with former American Ballet Theater ballerina Susan Jaffe) and founder of D.A.N.C.E. (Dance As a Necessary Component of Education), has just finished choreographing The Snow Queen.
“This isn’t the same old holiday show,” Kaplowitz says. “There’s more depth to it; it has a moral, an archetypal conflict. It’s good versus evil as told through beautiful ballet and gorgeous music by Grieg, Bartok, and Rimsky-Korsakov.”
The tale of a young boy, Kai, saved by his best friend, Gerda, is one for the ages. The Snow Queen takes Kai when his heart turns cold. Gerda’s quest to rescue her friend takes her through a land of eternal summer, a royal palace, and a band of wild robbers. A reindeer named Bae and a Lapland Sorceress show Gerda that her love and will are strong enough to rescue Kai. The Angels battle the Queen’s Ice Maidens and triumph: Gerda at last finds Kai. Her hug warms his heart and he is released from the Snow Queen’s evil clutches.
“The amazing projection artwork we’re using as a ‘backdrop,’ created by Dave Haneman, virtually moves with the dancers, transforming the stage into another space and time. There are more than 70 performers and 140 original costumes,” Kaplowitz says.
Although the original story does not take place during the holiday season, Kaplowitz has tweaked the time frame to make it a holiday ballet. It even includes Julemanden, Denmark's traditional version of Santa Claus, in the festive opening village scene.
Kaplowitz knows how to weave a story through dance and music. Four years ago, she choreographed The Secret Garden for DanceVision, based on another literary classic and now a local springtime favorite. A principal ballerina with Dayton Ballet, Kaplowitz was also a member of Houston Ballet and Manhattan Ballet, and performed with the Pennsylvania Ballet and the Metropolitan Opera Ballet. She has trained with some of the best and performed the repertoire of many noted choreographers.
The show will be held at Kendall Hall Theater at The College of New Jersey on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. For more information visit www.dancevisionnj.org, call (609) 520-1020, or email info@dancevisionnj.org. Follow the making of The Snow Queen at www.dvsnowqueen.blogspot.com.
DanceVision Inc. announces
“Build a Ballet”Art Auction
September 6- DanceVision, Inc. is pleased to present the “Build a Ballet” Art Auction, September 23from 7pm to 10 pm at the Salt Creek Grille at Forrestal Village. Join us for an evening of art, wine, hors d’oeuvres, and live entertainment!
The Art Auction will feature talented area artists, including Daniel P. Turner Thomas, Bob Hill, Russ Johnson, Elina Lorenz and more. There is a vast range of styles in a variety of media, and many of the artists have been recognized for their work. Mr. Johnson, a leading watercolor artist and workshop leader, has exhibited his artwork throughout the East Coast; Mr. Hill has won several awards for both his realistic and abstract sculptures. Mr. Thomas’s pieces—done in watercolor and conte crayon—have received national recognition, including the Miracle on the Hudson painting, given to Captain Sullenburger and featured on Fox 5. The variety of styles available at DanceVision’s Art Auction is sure to include something that will appeal to any art enthusiast.
The proceeds of this auction will benefit DanceVision’s “Build a Ballet” campaign, which was established in the summer of 2011 to raise funds for the creation of an original ballet, The Snow Queen. DanceVision’s mission is to enrich the community with quality dance experiences, including performances, school residencies, community outreach, and dance festivals. Bringing classic literature to the stage through an original ballet production is vital to the mission of DanceVision as well as the creative vision of Artistic Director and Snow Queen choreographer, Risa Kaplowitz.
DanceVision is eager to bring this new work to the stage and begin a new winter tradition. With the “Build a Ballet” Art Auction and the premiere of The Snow Queen DanceVision realizes its goal of encouraging local artists and bringing their work to the community. Support our dancers and the arts by attending the “Build a Ballet” Art Auction, September 23, 2011 from 7pm to 10pm at the Salt Creek Grille at Forrestal Village, Princeton, NJ. Tickets are on sale for a limited time. To buy tickets or learn more, visit www.dancevisionnj.org or email info@dancevisionnj.org.
New Ballet to Premiere in December
Auditions Sept. 17th
September 1, 2011- DanceVision is proud to announce the creation of a new, original ballet, The Snow Queen, choreographed by Risa Kaplowitz. The show will premiere on December 17th and 18th, at The College of New Jersey's Kendall Theatre.
Auditions will be held at Princeton Dance and Theater Studio, 116 Rockingham Row, Princeton, on Saturday September 17th and are open to area ballet students. Audition times are as follows:
1:00 - 2:00pm- Ages 6 and up: Boys and Girls with one or more year ballet and/or jazz training
1:30 - 3:00pm- Ages 8 and up: Boys and Girls with two+ years of ballet/jazz training
2:30 - 4:00pm- Ages 12 and up: Boys at the Intermediate/Advanced level and Girls with more than 2 years of pointe training.
A mandatory meeting for parents will be held during each audition. For more information, email info@dancevisionnj.org or visit www.dancevisionnj.org.
Founded in 2005 by former ABT principal dancer and ballet icon, Susan Jaffe, and former principal ballerina with the Dayton Ballet, Risa Kaplowitz, DanceVision, Inc. is a not-for-profit performance and community outreach organization with a history of providing local ballet students with the unique opportunity to perform in professional-quality, full-length ballets. In 2008, the company premiered The Secret Garden, an original ballet created by Risa Kaplowitz, based on the beloved novel. Ms. Kaplowitz continues her mission of bringing literature to life through dance in her rendition of Hans Christian Anderson's fable, The Snow Queen.
DanceVision has launched the "Build a Ballet" fundraising campaign to help cover the production costs of what promises to be a new winter ballet tradition. Join this effort by attending their “Build a Ballet” Art Auction on Friday September 23rd, 7pm to 10pm, at Salt Creek Grille in Princeton's Forrestal Village. For just $50 per person, enjoy a night of wine, hors d' oeuvres, and music, as well as the chance to bid on work by some of the finest artists in the area. Tickets are on sale for a limited time. Visit www.dancevisionnj.org to purchase your Art Auction tickets today or to make your tax deductible donation to DanceVision, Inc.
DanceVision Performance Company Member donates grass-cutting money to
“Build a Ballet” Campaign
August 10, Princeton, NJ – Josiah Foster, 14, a member of the DanceVision Performance Company donated the money he earned this month mowing lawns to DanceVision’s “Build a Ballet” campaign. DanceVision began the “Build a Ballet” campaign to raise funds for the production of the original ballet, The Snow Queen, based on the classic tale by Hans Christian Anderson.
The DanceVision Performance Company- the performing arm of DanceVision- comprises many of the area’s most talented dancers who perform twice a year in professional quality ballet productions. Josiah, along with other community members who participate in DanceVision productions, is excited about the new ballet and the opportunities it brings. “"I think it's great to try something new. I'm excited to see all the new costumes and to see everybody dancing roles that they haven't done before,” says DanceVision Performance Company member Max Azaro in anticipation of The Snow Queen. Other young dancers have joined Josiah, donating their garage cleaning and babysitting money to the fundraising effort.
DanceVision will continue its Build a Ballet campaign to fund all aspects of the original production, including costumes, props, lighting, and projection artwork. The projection artwork is used in place of a traditional static backdrop to give life to the setting and envelop the audience in the story.
In addition to the unique projection artwork, The Snow Queen will also feature original choreography from DanceVision’s Co-Founder and Artistic Director Risa Kaplowitz. Ms. Kaplowitz also choreographed DanceVision’s original production of The Secret Garden. “Part of the reason I began DanceVision was to bring classic literature to the stage. Dance, without speaking, can evoke feelings, emotions, and an understanding of the stories that is different from just reading them. I have heard over and over about The Secret Garden from audience members that they have seen and read the story many times, but they’ve never seen it like that,” explains Ms. Kaplowitz.
DanceVision, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to bringing dance to the community through performances, festivals and education. The DanceVision “Build a Ballet” campaign will continue until we reach our goal of $10,000 to produce The Snow Queen. DanceVision is holding an Art Auction to benefit the campaign, on September 23 at 7 pm at the Salt Creek Grille at Forrestal Village, Princeton, NJ. The evening will be filled with art, music, food and drink. Tickets are on sale for a limited time. For more information and to donate to the “Build a Ballet” campaign, visit www.dancevisionnj.org.
DanceVision continues spring season with outreach focus
April 27, Princeton, NJ.- DanceVision, Inc., kicked off its spring season with their second annual dance festival, DanceFest 2011! on April 3, 2011 at the West Windsor Arts Center in Princeton Junction, NJ. The event was a huge success, bringing dance in all forms to the community.
DanceFest 2011! offered lessons in hip hop, salsa, line dancing and bollywood, a special preview of the original ballet, The Secret Garden, as well as interactive crafts, games, and improvisational events. DanceVision reached out to the local organization HomeFront to invite them to experience the fun-filled afternoon; twenty-five children from HomeFront, a Trenton-based organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of homelessness in Mercer County, were in attendance.
“The event showcased the transcendence of dance for people in all walks of life and the ability for anyone to enjoy an afternoon of fun, movement, and creativity,” commented DanceVision Artistic Director Risa Kaplowitz.
DanceVision is dedicated to bringing dance to the community through performances, festivals and education. DanceVision was recently awarded a grant from the Parkinson’s Alliance to produce a six-week series of "Princeton Dance for Parkinson’s"- a movement class for persons afflicted with Parkinson’s Disease as well as their caregivers, family and friends.
DanceVision continues its spring season with The Secret Garden, an original ballet choreographed by Risa Kaplowitz. The Secret Garden is a unique production, coupling traditional ballet with modern projection art as its backdrop. The Secret Gardencomes to life May 7th at 7pm and May 8th at 2pm at The Kendall Theatre, located at The College of New Jersey. DanceVision features a myriad of special offers and group discounts to make our shows accessible to the community, including the Mother’s Day promotion, "Buy Three, Mom goes free" for the Sunday show. Join us as we continue to spread the joy of dance May 7th and 8th in The Secret Garden. For more information on DanceVision’s spring season, upcoming events, and to purchase tickets to The Secret Garden, visit www
DanceVision invites you to celebrate Mother’s Day with
The Secret Garden, choreographed by Risa Kaplowitz
March 31, Princeton, NJ – DanceVision is proud to announce performances of the spring classic, The Secret Garden, choreographed by Risa Kaplowitz. The inspiration for this original ballet, danced to music by Claude Debussy and Jules Massenet, comes from the classic book The Secret Garden by Francis Hodgson Burnett. Watch this beautiful story of hope and renewal come to life onstage May 7 at 7pm and May 8 at 2pm at The College of New Jersey’s splendid Kendall Theatre.
Performed by the area's most talented dancers, The Secret Garden also showcases unique moving projection art as its backdrop. Dave Haneman, production manager for DanceVision, creates an unforgettable experience through his projections, bringing the audience along on Mary's journey from India to England and through the gloomy halls of Misselthwaite Manor to the magical Secret Garden.
DanceVision is thrilled to bring this production to the stage this year at the majestic Kendall Theatre at The College of New Jersey. "The Secret Garden is a professional quality production and we are so pleased to bring it to this gorgeous theater,” says DanceVision President Iven Sandler.
"The show truly represents beauty, life, love and growth – making it the perfect Mother's Day event. The story resonates with so many of us, and it is a special experience to share with the family on Mother's Day," says DanceVision Artistic Director Risa Kaplowitz. DanceVision celebrates Mother's Day by offering a variety of discounts, including a “Buy Three, Mom goes free” promotion.
The Secret Garden performances will be on Saturday, May 7 at 7 PM and May 8 at 2PM at Kendall Theater, The College of New Jersey, 2000 Pennington Rd, Ewing NJ. Advance ticket prices are $20.00 for Adults and $15.00 for Seniors and Students. At the door tickets will be $25.00 for Adults and $20.00 for Seniors and Students. Group discounts are also available. Tickets may be purchased by calling 609-520-1020 or online at www.dancevisionnj.org.
DanceVision’s mission is to enrich the community with quality dance experiences, including performances, school residencies, and dance festivals. DanceVision produces two professional-quality ballets each year, and continues its community outreach efforts through events such as DanceFest 2011! and Dance for PD—an event that encourages people with Parkinson’s Disease and their caregivers to enjoy movement. For more information on DanceVision, please visit www.dancevisionnj.org or email info@dancevisionnj.org.
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DanceVision collaborates with the West Windsor Arts Council to present, DanceFest 2011! – back by popular demand
March 7, 2011, Princeton, NJ – DanceVision, Inc. has partnered with the West Windsor Arts Council to present DanceFest 2011! This popular fundraiser, which celebrates dance in all forms, has become a must-attend spring event for the entire family. DanceVision and the West Windsor Arts Council are delighted to host DanceFest 2011!and share the joy of dance with the surrounding community.
The DanceFest 2011! program is packed with activities for all ages. Well-known teachers and choreographers Tom McKie, Henri Velandia, Rosie Multari and Anil Diwakar will offer short lessons in Hip Hop, Salsa, Line Dancing and Bollywood dance—fun for both experienced and novice dancers. Enjoy crafts, games, refreshments, story time, and a raffle throughout the day. See a special sneak peek of the original ballet, The Secret Garden, choreographed by Risa Kaplowitz, Artistic Director and Co-Founder of DanceVision. Whether you attend to dance, watch, or play, DanceFest 2011! promises to be a celebration of dance that everyone will enjoy.
DanceVision premiered DanceFest last year with rave reviews. This year’s event boasts even more fun, featuring an extra lesson in Bollywood dance, as well as a new location—the beautiful new West Windsor Arts Center. “The collaboration with the West Windsor Arts Council is such a natural fit and we are thrilled to bring the event to the West Windsor community,” said DanceVision Vice President and West Windsor resident Mariellen Sandford.
DanceFest 2011! will be held on April 3 from 2:00-5:00 pm at the West Windsor Arts Center, 952 Alexander Rd, Princeton Junction, NJ. Tickets are $15 for Adults/$13 for WWAC members and $10 for Children under 12. Call 609-520-1020 for more information or visit the DanceVision website at www.dancevisionnj.org.
DanceVision’s mission is to enrich the community with quality dance experiences, including performances, school residencies, and dance festivals. DanceVision produces two professional-quality ballets each year, featuring some of the area’s most talented dancers. DanceVision continues its community outreach efforts through events such as DanceFest 2011! and Dance for PD—an event that encourages people with Parkinson’s Disease and their caregivers to enjoy movement. DanceVision has also reached out to local organizations by sharing our events and performances with them free of charge, providing exposure to dance for those who may not otherwise have the opportunity. For more information on DanceVision, please visit www.dancevisionnj.org or email info@dancevisionnj.org.
DanceVision partners with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra to bring musical themes of Water to life!
January 17, Princeton, N.J - DanceVision, a Princeton area not-for-profit, is teaming up this weekend with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra (NJSO) for the third time. DanceVision will be performing in the pre-concert event for NJSO’s Winter series, “Water! Fantasies and Fables.” DanceVision has partnered with NJSO in the past to bring movement and dance to the Symphony’s stunning musical series, adding a new dimension NJSO’s popular performances.
“Water! Fantasies and Fables” features a myriad of special events celebrating water. DanceVision will offer a presentation on water used in choreography throughout dance history. Included is a performance of Odette’s variation from Swan Lake performed by Lauren Spiers, a premiere modern dance performed by Marie Alonzo titled, Rain Puddles in Heaven, and a participatory choreographic exercise that will employ poetry as inspiration.
DanceVision’s mission is to enrich the community with quality dance experiences, including performances, school residencies, and dance festivals. Most recently, DanceVision partnered with the Parkinson Alliance and the Mark Morris Dance Group to host a Dance for PD workshop for persons with Parkinson’s Disease and their caregivers.
The exciting collaboration between DanceVision and the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra will take place Saturday, January 22 starting at 6:45pm at NJPAC in Newark, NJ, and Sunday, January 23 starting at 1:45pm at the Community Theatre in Morristown, NJ. For tickets and information on this special event, visit www.njsymphony.org. For more information on DanceVision, please visit www.dancevisionnj.org or contact info@dancevisionnj.org, (609) 520-1020.
Homefront Children Grace DanceVision’s Nutcracker Stage to Meet Local Dancers
Princeton, N.J.- DanceVision, a Princeton area arts not-for-profit organization, received a $2,500 grant in November 2010 from a local branch of the global consumer products company, Church & Dwight. DanceVision applied for the grant with hopes the funds could aid the organization's community outreach efforts. The generosity of Church & Dwight enabled DanceVision to invite the Trenton-based organization, HomeFront, to its annual performances of The Nutcracker. Thirty children from HomeFront, which serves homeless families, were in attendance at the December 11 performance, many seeing the holiday classic—and a live ballet performance—for the very first time.
Church and Dwight honors numerous organizations with grants each year based on available funds. DanceVision submitted an application requesting assistance with furthering their mission of bringing dance to the community, specifically those who may not otherwise have exposure to arts performances and education. HomeFront, an organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of homelessness in Mercer County, fit that description.
"We were able to invite groups from HomeFront to our annual fundraiser last spring where the DanceVision Youth Ensemble performed excerpts of our spring performance, The Secret Garden" comments Artistic Director Risa Kaplowitz. "This grant from Church & Dwight brought about the perfect opportunity for them to see a real ballet production, with professional quality dancing, sets, lighting and much more. Our dancers had a chance to meet their Homefront guests at an onstage meet-and-greet after the performance."
DanceVision’s mission is to enrich the community with quality dance experiences, including performances, school residencies, and dance festivals. DanceVision plans to continue spreading the joy of dance throughout our area. DanceVision has partnered with The Parkinson Alliance, and the Dance for PD organization—founded by Mark Morris and David Leventhal—to host a free Master Class for persons with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers on January 15 at 2:30 at the PDT Studio, Forrestal Village, 116 Rockingham Row, Princeton, NJ. Please see the accompanying poster for more details on this event. For more information about DanceVision and other outreach efforts, please contact info@dancevisionnj.org, visit the website www.dancevisionnj.org, or call 609-520-1020.
