Pro/Motion – week of November 20

Performances

This week, we’re thinking about gratitude at Boston Dance Alliance.
  • We are grateful for your involvement with the dance community and your artistry.
  • We are grateful for the health of the regional dance scene, evidenced by the listings here (and every week) in our Pro/Motion newsletter.
  • We are grateful for your membership, which allows us to continue serving the community.

Thank you for keeping the New England dance scene vibrant. We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Warmly,

Carmen S. Rizzo, Membership and Operations Associate

Black and white photo of Arthur Leeth.
Boston Dance Alliance mourns the loss of Arthur Leeth, who passed away November 14, at age 70. Arthur was a renowned ballet dancer, teacher, and music librarian who spent most of his career (nearly four decades) at the Boston Ballet and taught adult classes throughout Greater Boston and New England. Our condolences to his husband Michael Valvo, and the many thousands of friends, family and audiences whose lives he touched. Opening night at Boston Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” this week will be dedicated to Arthur; a remembrance of his life will be held at the Jose Mateo Ballet Theater December 3 at 6:30 PM.
BDA Member Events This Week
Anjuli Cirio Headshot
English National Ballet Soloist Anjuli Cirio teaches a Master Class at Northeast Arts. Saturday, November 25, 10:00-11:45 AM. Registration for a single class in the master class series is $22.
Two young dancers open a door on stage
Dance Prism’s production of The Nutcracker, celebrating its 41st season, features lively choreography and an affordable family-friendly opportunity with a production enjoyed throughout New England since 1982. Performances take place across Massachusetts from Sunday, November 26 to Sunday, December 17. Tickets range $38-50.
Other events in the community this week:

Newport Contemporary Ballet‘s Nutcracker at Rosecliff Mansion starts this week. The show runs November 22-December 1.

FREE! THANGsgiving 2023: Pecan Pie Edition Dance, music, poetry and performance art. Friday, November 24, 10 AM-6 PM, at Arts at the Armory (3rd floor), 191 Highland Avenue, Somerville.

FREE! Celebrate! with Wampanoag Nation Singers & Dancers at the Smith Center, JFK Presidential Library and Museum. Friday, November 24, 10:30-11:30 AM.

Hanover Theatre & Conservatorypresents The Nutcracker, running from November 24-26.

Annual Lindy Hop workshop weekend, featuring Anthony Chen and Irina Amzashvili.  Friday, November 24-Sunday, November 26 at the Newton Lower Falls, Uptown Swing at the Social Hall, Congregation Kehillath Israel in Brookline.

Boston Ballet’s Nutcracker season starts this week at the Citizens Bank Opera House. Shows run November 24-December 31.

Saving Grace Dance Ensemble presents A Journey Through Christmas. Saturday, November 25, 3 PM at the Amato Center for the Performing Arts, 56 Mont Vernon St, Milford, NH.

The Modern Connections mini documentary will be available for viewing starting at the virtual screening happening on Sunday, November 26, 2-3 PM.

Photo of dancer in black dress tilting to one side and lifting one bent leg in front of standing leg

Kelley Donovan & Dancers‘ The SpeakEasy, a monthly informal performance series that gives Boston area artists a venue to try out new work in an informal/virtual setting, resumes in April 2024. Submissions may be pre-recorded or live performance. To apply fill out the online form and email Kelley Donovan kelleydonovandance@gmail.com the following information:
– length of the work
– a 2-3 sentence statement about the work you would like to present, or your work in general
– a JPG photo or two for series flyer with photography credits
– specify date you plan to perform

 

James and the giant peach Jr. illustration

Weston Middle School seeks a choreographer for their winter musical James and the Giant Peach, Jr. Reliable, organized, kid-friendly choreographer needed for fun show with great kids and wonderful director. Rehearsals take place twice a week (flexible), from 3:30-5:30 PM, starting the week of November 27 at Weston Middle School in Weston, Mass. Performance runs February 1-3; choreographer will receive $1,300.00. Contact heichelbeche@weston.org or 781-929-6018.

 

Photo of the House of Representatives

The House of Representatives will soon bring to the floor the Department of Interior appropriations bill with two floor amendments introduced by Rep. Scott Perry (PA-10) that could eliminate all National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) FY 2024 funding. The House Appropriations Committee has already cut NEA and NEH funding by 10 percent to $186 million; further cuts threaten any possibility to negotiate to the Senate’s current funding level of $207 million. Americans for the Arts urges you to reach your Member of Congress today to remind them of the importance of NEA funding to their congressional district.