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Ballet Theatre Company is thrilled to offer aSensory-Friendly performance for The Nutcrackerin 2022 and Cinderella in 2023 at "Connecticut'sCultural Treasure", The Bushnell. Flip to learn more!
At BTC, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to experience thepositive impact of the arts. Through our programming, we strive to reach asmany people as possible through dance classes, opportunities to attendprofessional-caliber live performance, and much more. The Sensory-FriendlyBallet will be a wholly safe and respectful environment beyond what families(audiences of all ages) expect at a typical theatrical ballet performance.SENSORY FRIENDLY BALLET / 2The Nutcracker will be offered on Sunday, November 26 at 11:00amCinderella will be offered on Sunday, April 30 at 11:00amBallet Theatre Company's Sensory-Friendly Ballet will be offered for both of itsmain stage performances: The Nutcracker and Cinderella presented at TheBushnell's Maxwell M. and Ruth R. Belding Theater in Hartford, CT. About
The ExperienceSENSORY FRIENDLY BALLET / 3Patrons are free to talk and leave their seats during the performance Designated quiet areas within the theater lobby spaces, staffed with autism specialistsSpace throughout the theater for standing and movementLimited crowds and visitors at The Bushnell during the day and timing of the performanceBushnell staff and volunteers are trained to be inviting and accommodating to families' needsOutside food and beverages are allowedSafe, Relaxed, Judgment-free Theater EnvironmentLower sound level, especially for startling or loud soundsLights remain on at a low level in the theater during the show A reduction of strobe lighting or lighting focused on the audiencePerformance Enhancements When WarrantedMore information about the experience on page 4.
SENSORY FRIENDLY BALLET / 4"Meet Your Seat" at The BushnellTicket buyers of BTC's Sensory-Friendly Ballet will have the opportunity to"meet their seat" prior to the performance date. To allow participants toget acclimated to the space upon arrival to the theater on show day,ticket buyers can schedule an appointment with The Bushnell's front-of-house to walk through the theater, scan their seats and prepare for asmooth visit. The Experience IIAdditional Resources Social Story - a simple description of the experience of coming to The Bushnell, using the patron as the main character and explaining situations that can be challenging. A link will be sent in your pre-visit email that includes graphics of scheduled activities to help patrons reduce anxiety by following guidelines and providing consistency.Stress stars (fidgets) will be available onsite as a form of calming. Foam earplugs and noise-canceling headphones are available by request onsite. Patrons are welcome to bring their own.Patrons can utilize the coloring tables in the lobby while they wait for the performance to start or if they need a break during the performance.If a patron feels overwhelmed and needs a quiet space, a designated area away from the performance is provided with comfortable furniture, fidgets, coloring, and ear plugs.For patrons who have difficulty verbally communicating, a Core Communication Board with pictures of commonly used nouns and actions is available to help patrons express their needs and wants. To help with the anxiety of waiting, we will have a Choice Board onsite to visually communicate options for activities and a QR Code to a visual timer.The Bushnell is working with BTC to ensure that additional resources areavailable. Such as:
TicketsPlease use the code SENSORY when purchasing online or via The Bushnell Box Office.Visit bushnell.org/shows-concerts to purchase tickets or scan the QR Code below.Type CostThe Mezzanine The Rear Orchestra The Front Mezzanine$45SENSORY FRIENDLY BALLET / 5The Front Orchestra$35$55$65Tickets are on sale now for Ballet Theatre Company's Sensory-Friendly ballets.Please see the chart below for pricing based on seating location. The Bushnell's Maxwell M. and Ruth R. Belding Theater
Contact InformationSENSORY FRIENDLY BALLET / 6Ballet Theatre Company is working directly with long-timepartner, the Miracle League of CT and The Bushnell toensure that the performances are suitable and enjoyablefor all audiences.BTC's Partner - The Miracle League of CTBallet Theatre Company's Artistic Director andchoreographer of The Nutcracker and Cinderella. Stephanie Dattellas, Artistic DirectorBallet Theatre Company's Community EngagementAdministrator is here to answer your questions in regards toBTC's Sensory-Friendly Ballet!Victoria Jaenson, Community EngagementArrange your visit to The Bushnell and "Meet your Seat".Email Catherine Gruszka Vadala, The Bushnell's Front ofHouse Manager to schedule your appointment!The Bushnell, Front of HouseStephanie@dancebtc.orgvictoria.jaenson@dancebtc.orgCGruszka@bushnell.org
BTC's Artistic Director Stephanie Dattellas addresses the lingering cultural appropriation in the 130-year-old ballet and reimagines a new, vibrant, and cheeky Act II featuring magical treat-foods that would wow a 19th-Century young lady in a dreamscape and will delight modern audiences. To make the vision come to life for audiences, Lead Costume Designer Pat Nurnberger has designed and hand-sewn over seventy costumes to pair with Dattellas’ fresh, original choreography.Lauren LovetteWorld-renowned ballerina Lauren Lovette, former principal dancer with the New York City Ballet, will return to perform the coveted role of the Sugar Plum Fairy.
This spring, Ballet Theatre Company revisitsStephanie Dattellas’ original rendition of thebeloved story ballet, Cinderella.Cinderella, first premiered in 2018 at the Universityof Saint Joseph’s Hoffman Auditorium to sold-outaudiences. Dattellas' rendition features enchantingclassical ballet choreography woven together withtheatrical and comedic elements to keep audiencemembers of all ages on the edge of their seats.