The
Rainbow
World
Nevada Festival Ballet's
1999-2000 Outreach Program
Choreography by Thomas DiSabato
An original work that delivers a message
to all regarding the importance of erasing color barriers and creating
a veritable rainbow of ethnicity!
REHEARSALS: regular rehearsal times are set for Fridays 7-8:30 pm
with Marty Lewis
PERFORMANCES: In-Studio Performance: Thursday, October 21st at 8pm
at NFB;
Shining Stars Benefit Concert, Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts:
Saturday, November 6th, Festival Friends Social: November 13, Grace Warner:
November 22, Eldorado: December 13, Wolf Pack UNR Basketball Game: March
4th, 2000
NFB is proud to announce the beginning of its 1999/2000 School Outreach Program: October 15, 1999. The Rainbow World is an original work that has been commissioned by NFB and has been designed to be a performance piece for children, by children.
SCHOOL PROCUCTION WORKSHOP: October 15-21, 1999
The performance piece will be taught to students during the School
Production Workshop Friday-Thursday, October 15-21, 1999 for two-hours
each day. NFB students are encouraged to participate. This intensive workshop
is one-week long and is taught by Guest Choreographer, Thomas DiSabato.
NFB has commissioned Mr. DiSabato to choreograph a twenty-five minute contemporary
dance piece that delivers a message to our youth, something children can
relate to and take to heart. This dynamic and unique workshop gives the
cast members/children the experience of the "learning process"
of a professional dance company. They learn the dance piece in one
week, then are ready to perform throughout the season in any venue.
The experience is educational and confidence-building. The children
learn how to work productively in a group. They rehearse two-hours
a day and receive healthy snacks at break-time.
PERFORMANCE SERIES: October 1999-March 2000
The outreach Program cast members perform for the first time at the
end of the Production Workshop at NFB (October 21st at 8pm) for their parents
and friends. For the next four months the cast will perform at local "at-risk"
elementary schools, youth centers and benefit concerts (Shining Stars,
November 6th.) The series will contain two Tour Bus Days for the
cast to travel via bus to different locations to perform. The objectives
of each performance: to reach "at-risk" children (the audience)with
a performance piece (dance) that contains a moral or lesson: to send each
child/ audience member away with hope, encouragement and a message they
can take to heart. Throughout the performance series, the cast members
learn the importance of teamwork, commitment to a project and dedication
to an art form. They also continue to build their self-esteem and
confidence levels.
THE RAINBOW WORLD: Reaching out to it's own Dancers:
In September of 1999, 34 elementary school children will be chosen
to participate in the School Outreach Program based on two criteria: their
status as homeless/ disadvantaged, (based on Washoe County School District
definition), and their interest in the arts, specifically dance. The children
will receive scholarships to participate in the School Production Workshop.
These 25 cast members will be taken on three special outings throughout
NFB's 1999/2000 Season: The Nutcracker, Lily Cai Chinese Dance Company
and Cinderella. Being an audience member at scuh high-caliber dance performances
is an important part of their dance education. In March of 2000, the 25
students will receive scholarships to take dance lessons at NFB for the
following four months. This portion of the program is of great importance
in the lives of the 25 children: it gives them the opportunity to remain
in dance class at NFB, substantiating all they have learned already, solidifying
their commitment to the program, as well as reminding them of NFB's commitment
to them as individuals.