Adelphi Orchestra to Accompany JulieDance's 20th Annual THE NUTCRACKER BALLET

The Adelphi Orchestra will join the members of the internationally renowned Donetsk Ballet, one of Eastern Europe's foremost dance companies, and students of the Midland Park, NJ-based Miss Patti's School of Dance in the 19th Annual production of Tchaikovsky's universally timeless masterwork, The Nutcracker Ballet presented by JulieDance.

"We're honored that this year represents the fifth consecutive season the Adelphi Orchestra will participate in the JulieDance Nutcracker - a tradition benefiting pediatric cancer research and treatment said Adelphi Orchestra Principal Conductor, Richard Owen. "Because of audience support proceeds from Nutcracker productions have raised over a half million dollars to benefit childhood cancer research and care." A surprising number of the Adelphi Orchestra members have lived through the challenges of having a child struck by cancer - and identify with the personal tragedy the founders of JulieDance, Patti and Darryl Vigon, experienced with the loss of their child, Julie. Since 1997 JulieDance's production of Nutcracker has raised awareness and funds for childhood cancer research and through the beauty of art, created a message of hope."

Over 185 lavishly costumed dancers bring to life the classic story of a young girl who dreams of dancing confections, soldiers marching into battle and her Nutcracker Prince on Christmas Eve. The ballet, which premiered one week before Christmas in 1892 at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg was choreographed by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov andbased on an adaptation of E.T.A. Hoffman's story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King by the French writer Alexander Dumas.

For two decades, the Bergen County holiday tradition has been presented by, JulieDance, a non-profit arts organization founded in 1997 by Patti and Darryl Vigon in memory of their beloved daughter, Julie. Julie succumbed to Ewing's sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, at the age of 12. Julie was a promising young ballerina who distinguished herself as a student at the School of American Ballet at Lincoln Center and as a performer in the children's repertoire of many New York City Ballet productions. JulieDance is dedicated to fostering participation in and appreciation for dance and music, and to supporting the research and treatment of childhood cancer. In nineteen years, JulieDance has raised over $500,000 for pediatric cancer organizations. JulieDance is a 501 (c)(3) organization. To learn more about JulieDance, visit WWW.JULIEDANCE.ORG.

Donetsk Ballet, the resident company of Donetsk, Ukraine, has been regarded as one of Eastern Europe's foremost dance companies, rivaling the Bolshoi and Kirov. The touring group of the Company features 18-20 National and Honored Artists of Ukraine. Since 1993, the Donetsk Ballet, performing The Nutcracker with students of regional ballet schools throughout the Eastern United States, has delighted audiences with their masterful artistry. Charmingly complementing the Donetsk Ballet professionals with youthful beauty, artistry and energy are 160 highly trained and choreographed ballet students of Miss Patti's School of Dance,

Enjoying its 64th season the award-winning Adelphi Orchestra is a professional, non-profit orchestra offering symphony, chamber and educational concert programs in Northern NJ and New York metropolitan area. To learn more, visit www.adephiorchestra.org.

IF YOU GO:

THE NUTCRACKER BALLET

20th Annual Production presented by JulieDance

Performances Friday Dec. 8 at 7:30pm, Saturday Dec. 9 at 7:00pm and Sunday Dec.10 @ 2:00pm. Paramus Catholic High School, 425 Paramus Road.

Tickets $40, $45

Group rates available.

For information or to purchase tickets call (201) 670-4422.