The Arts Council of Greater New Haven’s annual Arts Awards Luncheon took place on Friday, December 7, 2012, at the New Haven Lawn Club. The theme of The Arts Council of Greater New Haven’s 2012 Arts Awards was Against the Grain, reflecting our admiration for those who take creative risks and stand out from the crowd.
We are proud to announce The New England Ballet Company's / Milford Recreation Department’s Adaptive Nutcracker was one of this year’s award recipients.
This ballet is produced for special-needs performers and introduces audiences and participants alike to the transformative power of one of the most beloved works in the repertoire. In each of the three past years, the organization’s production of Tchaikovsky’s widely adored ballet has featured a cast whose dancers include young people with autism, Down syndrome, and other emotional and physical disabilities. Beyond organizing and presenting its annual “Adaptive Nutcracker,” the New England Ballet has been dedicated to establishing an environment in which dance students mentor their peers with special needs, practicing and rehearsing adapted choreography, and performing Tchaikovsky’s iconic ballet.
In accepting the award, Kenneth Hopkins, Executive Director of the New England Ballet Company reflected “the opportunity for our staff and dancers to perform with the adaptive students provided us with valuable life lessons that we will carry with us for the rest of our lives. This performance is always a truly rewarding experience.”
“Being recognized by The Arts Council of Greater New Haven, whose advocacy for the development of the arts and their commitment to inclusion and accessibility is truly a magnificent honor,” stated Paul Piscitelli, Director of Recreation. “The dedication and hard work that went into producing the Nutcracker resulting in this award proves how successful and rewarding public and private collaboration can be.”
Pictured with the award (l-r) are Paul Piscitelli, Director of Recreation; Karen Goodman and Kenneth Hopkins of the New England Ballet Company; and Debra Marchese, Adaptive Program Specialist for the Recreation Department.
Other 2012 Award winners honored at the luncheon were; Helen Kauder, Ruth M. Feldman, Steven Dest, and John Cavaliere. Carol Ross was the recipient of the C. Newton Schenck III Award for Lifetime Achievement in and Contribution to the Arts. An enthusiastic, sold-out crowd repeatedly gave standing ovations to award winners, who each gave truly moving speeches.
If you would like more information on the New England Ballet Company contact them at 203.799.7950 or go to www.newenglandballet.org
For more information on the Milford Recreation Department’s Adaptive programs contact Rich Minnix at 203.783.3387 or Debra Marchese at 203.550.2520 or go to www.milfordrecreation.org
