FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact:Janette M. Sullivan Westminster Ballet Theatre 410-848-6048
Paula Thornton-Greear Target 612-696-3400 Westminster Ballet Theatre Partners with Target for Sponsorship of 3rd Annual Westminster International Dance Festival
Westminster, MD -- April 26, 2007 -- Westminster Ballet Theatre (WBT) today announced a partnership with Target for sponsorship of its 3rd Annual Westminster International Dance Festival. The highlight of this year’s dance festival is the Moscow Ballet. Developed by Moscow Ballet’s co-producer Mary Talmi, the Moscow Ballet takes pride in this unique training cultural program where young dancers work one-on-one with a Russian soloist. Westminster Ballet Theatre is proud to be partnering with the Moscow Ballet to provide our community with world class dance instruction and artistic excellence that is the Moscow Ballet.
The residency program includes two weeks of intensive training with some of the greatest dancers and teachers in the world. The program runs from July 16 - July 27, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday. The final production of the workshop includes a not-to-be-missed superb performance by Svetlana Todinova, famed dancer of the Moscow Ballet, performing Giselle excerpts on July 27, 2007 at 7:00 pm at the Carroll Community College Scott Theater.
The Moscow Ballet is considered to be one of the premiere ballet companies in the world. The dancers include elite graduates from the Russian Training Institute, the Moscow Choreographic Institute, and the world renowned Vaganova Academy of St. Petersburg. Many of the dancers have been winners of international dance competitions.
“It was really exciting to be dancing with professionals and to see them work up close," says Beth, a young dancer who performed in the 2nd Annual Westminster International Dance Festival. “Watching and working with the professionals and how they went about performing helped me to see that this was something you can do as a career." Her goal is to join a touring dance company.
“There’s nothing more dramatic than the Russian Ballet from the sets, costumes, to the way in which they walk on stage,” says Janette Sullivan, director of the Westminster Ballet Theatre. “Svetlana Todinova is a living breathing artist who will choreograph and teach the historic prospective of Giselle,” she said. Janette Sullivan, a professional dancer who has been teaching for over 20 years said she, also, will learn from the guest teacher and can’t wait to take on the role of student once again. The WBT looks forward to a long and creative alliance with the Moscow Ballet.
Sponsorship of the 3rd Annual Westminster International Dance Festival is part of the ongoing support Target provides to local communities throughout the country. Every week Target gives more than $2 million to strengthen families and communities across the nation, with a focus on education, the arts, social services and other vital community partnerships.
“At Target, we are making a real difference every day through our sponsorship program,” said Laysha Ward, vice president, community relations, Target. “We’re proud to partner with the Westminster Ballet Theatre as part of our ongoing commitment to give back to the communities where our guests and team members live and work.”
Additionally, Target also gives back through signature programs that are designed to inspire learning in children and families. Programs include:
About Westminster Ballet Theatre As a premiere nonprofit dance organization in Maryland, the mission of the Westminster Ballet Theatre is to promote dance through performances, professional mentoring, and educational programs. Through nurturing discipline, confidence, and the experience of performance art, the Westminster Ballet Theatre provides a center for excellence within the community for local and visiting artists. The Westminster Ballet Theatre designs its programs to inspire, serve, and entertain a diverse community.
About TargetTarget gives back more than $2 million a week to its local communities through grants and special programs. Since opening its first store in 1962, Target has partnered with nonprofit organizations, guests and team members to help meet community needs. Additionally, Target team members and retirees donate more than 315,000 hours to more than 7,000 projects each year.
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