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Ballet Theatre Company is thrilled to offer Sensory-Friendlyperformances of The Nutcracker and Snow White at"Connecticut's Cultural Treasure", The Bushnell.
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 performances, 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 / 2Ballet Theatre Company's Sensory-Friendly Ballet will be offered for its mainstage performances of The Nutcracker and Snow White presented at TheBushnell's Maxwell M. and Ruth R. Belding Theater in Hartford, CT. The Nutcracker will be offered on Sunday, December 3, 2023 at 11:00amSnow White will be offered on Sunday, April 21, 2024 at 11:00 amAboutPictured above are photos from BTC's Sensory-Friendly Nutcracker performance
The ExperienceSENSORY FRIENDLY BALLET / 3Patrons are free to talk and leave their seats during the performanceDesignated quiet areas within the theater lobby spaces, staffed withautism specialistsSpace throughout the theater for standing and movementLimited crowds and visitors at The Bushnell during the day andtiming of the performanceBushnell staff and volunteers are trained to be inviting andaccommodating to families' needs.Outside 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 The Bushnell is working with BTC to ensure that additional resources areavailable. Such as:Social Story - a simple description of the experience of coming to TheBushnell, using the patron as the main character and explainingsituations that can be challenging. A link will be sent in your pre-visit email that includes graphics ofscheduled activities to help patrons reduce anxiety by followingguidelines and providing consistency.Stress stars (fidgets) will be available onsite as a form of calming.Foam earplugs and noise-canceling headphones are available byrequest onsite. Patrons are welcome to bring their own.Patrons can utilize the coloring tables in the lobby while they wait forthe performance to start or if they need a break during theperformance.If a patron feels overwhelmed and needs a quiet space, a designatedarea away from the performance is provided with comfortablefurniture, fidgets, coloring, and ear plugs.For patrons who have difficulty verbally communicating, a CoreCommunication Board with pictures of commonly used nouns andactions is available to help patrons express their needs and wants. To help with the anxiety of waiting, we will have a Choice Board onsiteto visually communicate options for activities and a QR Code to avisual timer.
SectionCostBoxes and Front Mezzanine$45Rear Mezzanine$25Pit and Front Orchestra$45Front Side Orchestra$25Rear Orchestra$30TicketsSENSORY FRIENDLY BALLET / 5Tickets are on sale now for Ballet Theatre Company's Sensory-Friendly ballets. Please see the chart below for pricing based on seating location. Please use the code SENSE24 when purchasing online or via The Bushnell Box Office.Visit bushnell.org/shows-concerts to purchase tickets or scan the QR Code below.Any families who are in need of financial assistance should email BTC’s CommunityEnrichment Administrator, Abigale Bilodeau at CEP@dancebtc.org.
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 Snow White. Stephanie Dattellas, Artistic DirectorBallet Theatre Company's Community EnrichmentAdministrator is here to answer your questions in regard toBTC's Sensory-Friendly Ballet!Abigale Bilodeau, 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.orgCEP@dancebtc.orgCGruszka@bushnell.org
Dattellas’ fresh version of The Nutcracker follows the familiar holiday storyline withmany twists and turns along the way that will enchant first-time viewers andseasoned audience members alike. From dancing dolls that pay homage to WestHartford history, to a battalion of break-dancing mice, and a menagerie ofdancing sweets and treats, you’ll experience Clara’s magical journey like neverbefore. While The Nutcracker is a beloved holiday tradition for many families, the SecondAct historically features racist interpretations of Chinese, Middle Eastern, andRussian cultures through dance and costume. For BTC’s 2022 performance of TheNutcracker, Artistic Director Stephanie Dattellas staged a fully reimagined SecondAct, transforming Clara’s journey through an exciting landscape of sweets andtreats and leaving behind outdated, Victorian-era representations of worldcultures. Lead Costume Designer Pat Nurnberger brought this modern refresh tolife with over 70 new hand-sewn costumes in enchanting styles and colors. Thisrevitalized Second Act delighted audiences in its debut, and BTC is thrilled to shareit with new and returning audience members for years to come!THE NUTCRACKERTHE BALLET OVERVIEWSENSORY FRIENDLY BALLET / 7
The beloved fairytale originated as a story written by the Brothers Grimm in theearly 19th century and has since been retold in styles ranging from a Broadwayplay to Disney’s first animated feature film. Dattellas’ rendition of Snow Whiteblends elements from the traditional tale with her own ballet twists, following SnowWhite as she experiences hardships, friendships, and unexpected trials withunwavering kindness. This innovative spin on the classic tale embodies thetriumph of good over evil and will leave audience members with full hearts as theydepart the theater. Did you know? BTC first premiered Snow White as a live-action film in June 2021. During the heightof the pandemic when theaters remained closed, BTC and its troupe of artistsbanded together to create a little magic. Scenes were filmed in historic locationsthroughout the state of Connecticut including Topsmead State Forest, Old New-Gate Prison and Copper Mine. The film was choreographed, directed and scriptedby Artistic Director Stephanie Dattellas and filmed by Peter Cofrancesco ofCreation Dream Video. Photo above is at Topsmead State Forest.SNOW WHITETHE BALLET OVERVIEWSENSORY FRIENDLY BALLET / 8