PRESS RELEASE
FIRST INCLUSIVE NUTCRACKER FEATURING DANCERS WITH DOWN SYNDROME IN CAMBRIDGE
PRESS INVITATION - 11/20/2023
For immediate release
FIRST INCLUSIVE NUTCRACKER FEATURING DANCERS WITH DOWN SYNDROME IN CAMBRIDGE
Rehearsals have started for New England's first Nutcracker featuring a diverse and inclusive cast of dancers of different abilities.
Rehearsals have started for United Dance's The Extraordinary Nutcracker performing December 8 through 10 at the Multicultural Arts Center Theatre in Cambridge.
The first of its kind production features professional dancers with and without Down syndrome in a family friendly retelling of the beloved holiday classic.
Choreographed by Gianni Di Marco, this shortened (1h15), narrated, and engaging family friendly performance focuses on the story of how the Nutcracker came to be.
INFORMATION
Rehearsals
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When? Rehearsals are mainly on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays between November 20th and December 5th, 2023
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Where? Boston (Jamaica Plain and Back Bay)
Performances
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When? December 8 (7pm), 9 (1:30pm), and 10 (1:30pm)
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Where? Multicultural Arts Center Cambridge, 41 Second St, East Cambridge, MA 02141
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More information? www.uniteddance.org/nutcracker
Will be there
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Boris Richir, director United Dance
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Gianni Di Marco, choreographer
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Dancers of the United Dance Company
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Parents of the company dancers with Down syndrome
Please notify your attendance in advance via press@uniteddance.org or via +1 857 272 3444.
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.
