PRESS RELEASE
PROFESSIONAL DANCERS WITH DOWN SYNDROME SHINE IN THE EXTRAORDINARY NUTCRACKER
STARTING TODAY IN CAMBRIDGE
PRESS RELEASE - 12/08/2023
For immediate release
PROFESSIONAL DANCERS WITH DOWN SYNDROME SHINE
IN THE EXTRAORDINARY NUTCRACKER STARTING TODAY IN CAMBRIDGE
The United Dance Company kicks off their production of The Extraordinary Nutcracker today at the Cambridge Arts Center Theatre, featuring professional dancers with Down syndrome alongside other classical ballet artists in a family friendly retelling of this holiday classic.
Bringing inclusion to the forefront of this beloved holiday tradition, this engaging prequel of the well-known holiday classic follows Clara’s grandmother in her youth as she embarks on an epic adventure that brings her to discover the Nutcracker.
The lavish production boasts a cast of accomplished dancers of different abilities who put a unique spin on this beloved family classic. Choreographed by United Dance Company resident choreographer, Gianni Di Marco, with music by P.I. Tchaikovsky and newly commissioned music by Fraser Campbell, this unique and narrated production is specifically designed with families in mind.
“I dance for the people who are like me and often alone, you are seen, you are loved.”
-Casey ODonnell, United Dance Company dancer with Down syndrome.
“When I dance I feel happy and joyous, that is the feeling I want to share with the audience.”
-Hannah Kendrick, United Dance Company dancer with Down syndrome.
“This is a production for all to love, moving the needle towards a more inclusive art scene.”
- Gianni Di Marco, choreographer
What sets the Extraordinary Nutcracker apart is United Dance’s commitment to inclusion and family audiences. The ballet has been designed for an audience of all ages, and is therefore narrated, shortened to 1h15 (with intermission) and focuses on engaging storytelling and exceptional dancing.
With their productions United Dance brings much needed representation to artists with a disability, showcasing their exceptional artistic qualities.
From December 8 through 10, 2023, audiences get to see the full production at the Multicultural Arts Center in Cambridge.
THE EXTRAORDINARY NUTCRACKER
December 8 (7pm), 9 (1:30pm), and 10 (1:30pm)
Multicultural Arts Center Cambridge
Tickets ($15-$40), Pay what you Wish tickets available & more information at uniteddance.org
About The Extraordinary Nutcracker
The United Dance Company presents The Extraordinary Nutcracker, a new production featuring professional dancers with Down syndrome alongside other classical ballet artists, bringing inclusion to the forefront of this beloved holiday tradition.
From December 8-10, 2023, audiences will embark on a magical journey to explore the Nutcracker's origin at the Multicultural Arts Center in Cambridge.
The lavish production boasts a cast of accomplished dancers who put a unique spin on this beloved family classic. Choreographed by United Dance Company resident choreographer, Gianni Di Marco, with music by P.I. Tchaikovsky and Fraser Campbell, this unique and narrated production takes you on a journey to the Nutcracker's origin. Follow our heroine as she embarks on a magical adventure to save the love of her life.
What sets this Nutcracker apart is United Dance’s commitment to inclusion and family audiences.
The ballet has been designed for an audience of all ages, and is therefore narrated, shortened to 1h15 (with intermission) and focuses on engaging storytelling and exceptional dancing.
The performance is accessible to all, and sensitive to all communities, and has chosen to replace any outdated and insensitive parts with inclusive characters of all abilities.
In a commitment to making the arts inclusive to all, United Dance offers pay what you wish tickets and holds community events around the production in partnership with hospitals such as Boston Children’s Hospital, public and private schools, and local groups such as the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress.
Don't miss this spectacular production and experience the magic of the season.
About United Dance
Based in Boston, United Dance has quickly established itself as a leader in specialized dance and art education for youth and young adults with Down syndrome in Europe, North America, and Asia. United Dance offers high-quality dance courses for individuals with Down syndrome on an international level to help ensure all individuals can enjoy exceptional dance classes in a safe and accessible environment. United Dance was founded by professional dancer Boris Richir in 2018 and has established partnerships with national and international Down syndrome organizations, healthcare institutions and art institutions such as the Dutch National Opera and Ballet and the Paris Opera Ballet School.
About United Dance Company
In championing inclusion and working with the Down syndrome population, founder and director Boris Richir and choreographer Gianni Di Marco saw the need to create a performing company that reflected United Dance’s mission, representing artists of diverse abilities united in the pursuit of excellence in dance.
Founded in June 2022, the United Dance Company brings together professional dancers, choreographers, and students from United Dance’s course programming.
Like its parent organization, United Dance Company is a company like no other and shares the core values of inclusion, respect, and excellence.
The company is based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA where it holds several performances per season.
