TULSA BALLET PRESENTS THE 15th ANNUAL HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Tulsa Ballet Gives the Gift of The Nutcracker to Hundreds of Local Families for the Holiday Season
TULSA, Okla. – November 2, 2015 – Tulsa Ballet will treat more than 2,400 local social service clients and non-profit agencies with its 15th annual Hope for the Holidays on Thursday, December 10, 2015, at 7:00 p.m. at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. Dancers will grace the stage for the first performance of the season of The Nutcracker, dedicated to sharing holiday cheer to this special audience.
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.”
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. Attendees are consistently captivated by the enchanting story of The Nutcracker illustrated with stunning costumes and whimsical scenery, set to thrilling music performed by the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra. The festive evening also features costumed volunteers and delicious refreshments for every guest.
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!”
In addition to children, many seniors in the metropolitan area enjoy the special evening at the ballet. Clients from LIFE Senior Services say,
“Seeing The Nutcracker truly makes it feel like Christmas.”
“When we had a young family, we would go to The Nutcracker—this continues our family tradition.”
“Everyone is so happy to be at the ballet—we love the music, the dancing and the entire evening.”
Volunteers from Tulsa Ballet’s Barre Society offer a hand in ensuring a magical experience for all. The Barre Society is Tulsa Ballet’s membership group for working professionals. Development Manager Brian Parker says, “The members of Barre Society are thrilled to volunteer during the evening of Hope for the Holidays, filling various roles from working the tables where the children receive their juice, cookies and a gift to bring home to donning holiday costumes and posing for photos with the children before the performance, during intermission and after the evening is through. This ties into Barre Society’s stated mission of encouraging philanthropy and volunteerism in association with our world-class ballet company.”
Tulsa Ballet offers thanks to Helmerich & Payne, Inc., The Robson Companies and The Maxine and Jack Zarrow Foundation for presenting this special performance of Tulsa Ballet’s The Nutcracker. Without their generous support, we would not be able to offer this treat to so many Tulsans who need a little holiday cheer.
“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.”
To join in the holiday spirit and donate to Hope for the Holidays please visit TulsaBallet.org. Social Services Agencies can contact Ryan Allen at Tulsa Ballet to apply for free tickets to all Partners in Art events.
Hi-Res images and interview opportunities available:
Ryan Allen, PR & Communications Manager
918.392.5949, ryan.allen@tulsaballet.org