New York Theatre Ballet to Present CINDERELLA at Schimmel Center, 9/20

On Sunday, September 20th, noted dance company, New York Theatre Ballet will present their children's ballet, Cinderella. With a Dancing Clock, wacky Stepsisters and everyone's favorite princess, Cinderella features choreography by Donald Mahler, costumes by Metropolitan Opera's Resident Costume Designer, Sylvia Taalsohn Nolan and sets by Gillian Bradshaw Smith. The classic score by Sergei Prokofiev is abridged for a one-hour presentation. Appropriate for girls and boys of all ages.

Cinderella is part of New York Theatre Ballet's Once Upon a Ballet series. New York Theatre Ballet is committed to building an appreciation of dance among pre-school and grade school children. Their approach to dancing for children is groundbreaking and unique. Each year it presents an entire season of one-hour classic story ballets tailored to the attention span of young kids with choreography that is sophisticated enough for the most discerning parent. Over the last 30 years Once Upon a Ballet has introduced thousands of youngsters in New York City and around the country to the world of ballet and dance, fostering their knowledge and appreciation of the performing arts and building audiences of the future.

In addition to NYTB's Once Upon a Ballet program, the company also takes part in community service through the LIFT Program. Founder and Artistic Director, Diana Byer explains in her own words:

"NYTB's mission of preserving small classic masterpieces and supporting talented new choreographers is something I am very proud of, but our LIFT Community Service Program is what makes our company truly special. For over 25 years, we have helped at-risk children and given them ballet scholarships as well as academic support and mentorship. In fact, our principal dancer, Steven Melendez, came to us through the LIFT Program at the age of 7.

I discovered Steven in 1993 at a homeless shelter in the Bronx and recognized his great talent and desire to succeed. He enrolled at Ballet School NY, our training academy, and joined New York Theatre Ballet as an apprentice at the age of 15. Since then, he has danced professionally in Japan, Estonia, Argentina, Spain and Italy and in 2012, he returned to dance with our company. That same year, he was a finalist for the Clive Barnes Award and has recently become director of our LIFT Program.

I am passionate about dance and the importance of the work that NYTB does. I believe, however, that our work with young people through our LIFT Program - using Dance as a way to inspire and help our youth to a better life - is every bit as important. This is what is meaningful and lasting."

Ticket prices for New York Theatre Ballet's Cinderella at Pace University are $10 for children and $20 for adults. The performance will take place on Sunday, September 20th 3:00 pm.

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