Indiana Ballet Conservatory to Present Check for Pediatric Cancer Research at NUTCRACKER Performance

Indiana Ballet Conservatory (IBC) has announced that it will present a sizeable check on behalf of Pointe to the Cure to Team JOEY, a Heroes Foundation Program, at its 2:00pm matinee Nutcracker performance on Sunday, December 15th, at the Indianapolis Museum of Art's Tobias Theater. Five additional Nutcracker performances are being held December 12th through December 15th.

"Dancing to the Beat of Our Own Drummer"

Pointe to the Cure is an IBC initiative led by Dr. Adam Perler, a member of IBC's board of directors, to raise awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research. Inspired by pediatric cancer victim Joey Keller, IBC's board, artistic staff and students teamed up with area volunteers for the inaugural fundraising event at the Indianapolis Museum of Art on October 4th. The event featured PULSE: "Dancing to the Beat of Our Own Drummer", an original production created by IBC's Founding Artistic Director, Alyona Yakovleva-Randall. Intermission included an award ceremony identifying heroes in the fight against cancer, including Indianapolis Colts' head coach Chuck Pagano. A silent auction and fundraising effort emceed by Tom Zupancic helped make the evening a tremendous success.

IBC's mission includes connecting with the community through artistic outreach to serve others. Dr. Adam Perler, the chairperson for this year's event noted that, "Pointe to the Cure gave us a tremendous conduit to teach our children to pay it forward by dedicating their talents and passion for dance to other children impacted by cancer. I think it is fair to say that no one left that night unaffected. We are so happy to present the check during this season of giving."

Indiana Ballet Conservatory boasts a world-class faculty and has been recognized as the regional "Outstanding School" by the Youth America Grand Prix multiple times. IBC's program fuses the finest classical ballet instruction with the very best of modern and contemporary training. Through its educational programs, performances, and community outreach efforts, IBC strives to make dance accessible wherever talent, potential, and enthusiasm exist. More information and tickets to a Nutcracker performance can be found at www.IndianaBalletConservatory.org and www.pointetothecure.org.

Photo Credit: Ian Borgerhoff