The New Bedford Ballet is hosting its annual spring fundraiser on Sunday, March 18, from 2pm to 5pm at the NBB Community Theatre, 2343 Purchase Street in New Bedford. The afternoon will include an array of elegant desserts and beverages, live music provided by members of the New Bedford Symphony Youth Orchestra, and performances of an adaptation of The Firebird by the New Bedford Youth Ballet at 2:30 and 3:30 pm. All proceeds will benefit New Bedford Ballet’s arts education and dance scholarship programs.
Based on Russian folktales and the mythological Phoenix, The Firebird was originally performed in 1910 as part of Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes, with music composed by Igor Stravinsky. Rebecca Waskiel-Marchesseault, artistic director of New Bedford Ballet, has modified the original story to increase its educational value and family appeal, while still maintaining its original symbolism and energy.
The New Bedford Youth Ballet will also be performing The Firebird for elementary schools in Fairhaven, Marion, New Bedford and Westport in March as part of their Bringing Mythology to Life Program. This program will continue the Youth Ballet’s tradition of merging academics with the performing arts. With support from the Fairhaven Cultural Council, individual music and story CD’s and informational workbooks will be provided for students, and a mythology related curriculum will be provided for the schools’ art programs.
A special additional performance of The Firebird will be presented at Children’s Hospital Boston, providing hospitalized children and their families a magical evening as they witness the splendor of the art of ballet.
The New Bedford Youth Ballet is a company of the New Bedford Ballet Foundation, Inc. Founded in 1987, the Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote and present classical ballets, grant scholarships, and educate the community in the beauty of this performing art. Aided by the financial support of the Foundation, thousands of area school children and senior citizens have had the opportunity to participate in the performing arts.
Tickets: Adults $15, Seniors and Students $10, and Children $5
For more information, call the New Bedford Ballet at 508-993-1387 or visit our website www.newbedfordballet.org.
Kathryn Sebastiao, from Mattapoisett, as Maiden Ivana, Rhiley Sylvia, from New Bedford, as the Firebird, Amanda Peabody, from Dartmouth, as Kashchei; Kashchei’s Creatures: Back: Tori Castanha (Marion), Annie Tucker (Dartmouth), Camryn McNamara (Marion); Front: Lily Eilertsen (Mattapoisett), Bailey Sweet (Marion), Caitlyn Baker (New Bedford)