FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 23, 2022
Tulsa, Okla. – Tulsa Ballet will treat more than 2,000 local social service clients and non-profit agencies with its 20th annual Hope for the Holidays on Thursday, December 16, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. Dancers will grace the stage for a World Premiere production of The Nutcracker, dedicated to sharing holiday cheer to this special audience.
Hope for the Holidays is a night where the Tulsa Performing Arts Center is buzzing with families who are eager to experience the magic of Tulsa Ballet and the holiday season. This year, attendees will be delighted to see a brand-new version of The Nutcracker with all-new choreography, colorful costumes and larger-than-life sets and props set to thrilling music performed by the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra. The festive evening also features costumed volunteers and delicious refreshments for every guest.
Tulsa Ballet Managing Director Scott Black says, “Hope for the Holidays and Partners in Art are programs that share the joy of dance with members of the Tulsa community who would not otherwise have the opportunity to attend ballet performances. For one magical night each December, Tulsa Ballet opens its doors to more than 2,000 clients of area social service agencies, who come to experience the enchanting story, beautiful costumes and live music of The Nutcracker, complete with juice and cookies for the family and a take home holiday gift—all at no cost to them. Hope for the Holidays is one of my favorite nights of the year, as Tulsa Ballet gives back to the community, and to those who would never have the chance to attend a performance on their own. It’s what the holidays are all about.”
Artistic Director Marcello Angelini says, “Hope for the Holidays is, for many people, their first and only exposure to the art of dance. I am always so eager to sit in the audience for the performance as I know the reaction we are going to get from the audience is a direct reflection of how the show impacts them. It’s always rewarding to see the expression of our audience members after a show and see if we truly touched them. There is nothing that matches the feeling of pure joy that follows a performance of Hope for the Holidays; seeing the audience leave the theater dancing, singing and smiling with happiness is what we are all in this business for!”
Tulsa social service agencies say about the impact Hope for the Holidays makes on their clients,
“Thank you for the time that you invest in creating a seating chart for all of the families attending! It is truly a blessing for our families to have the opportunity to do something that they would otherwise not be able to afford.”
“We’ve had several families the past couple of years who were thrilled to be blessed with tickets for their families to see the Nutcracker. We are so grateful for this opportunity!”
“Everyone is so happy to be at the ballet—we love the music, the dancing and the entire evening.”
“I know Christmas is here when Hope for the Holidays takes to the stage at the PAC,” Marcello Angelini continues, “…It reminds me of why we are in the arts. It is to bring joy, emotions, sense of accomplishment and culture to the people who care to interact with us. It is to create a sense of Christmas not only during the holiday season but every time the curtain rises on one of our shows.”
Hope for the Holidays is only possible because of the generous contributions from our donors. In 2019, Tulsa Ballet raised over $24,000 which allowed 54 different social services agencies and their clients (including over 1500 children!) the opportunity to attend The Nutcracker for free. For many of these children, this was their very first introduction to the performing arts. A donation of just $25 sponsors a child to attend Hope for the Holidays 2021. For more information or to make a contribution, go to tulsaballet.org/hope-for-the-holidays/ or contact Meagan Mulgrew (Donor Relations Coordinator) at 918-392-5915.
To join in the holiday spirit and donate to Hope for the Holidays please visit TulsaBallet.org. Social Services Agencies can contact Patrick Ingram at Tulsa Ballet to apply for free tickets to all Partners in Art events: Patrick.ingram@tulsaballet.org.
FOR CALENDAR EDITORS
WHEN AND WHERE:
Tulsa Performing Arts Center | 110 E 2nd St, Tulsa OK 74103
Thursday, December 16, 2021 | 7:00 p.m.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: tulsaballet.org or 918.749.6006
Hi-Res images and interview opportunities available:
Bethany Kirby | Marketing Manager
918.392.5949 | Bethany.kirby@tulsaballet.org
– End –