The United Arts Council Keep Us on Our Toes at Gaston Dance

by Melissa Melvin, Board Member Gaston Dance Theatre

Nov. 24, 2003

Since joining the board of Gaston Dance, I have had a real education! I have learned just what it takes to bring the arts to Gaston County. It takes time from dedicated staff and volunteers. It takes money and it takes your interest in what is going on in your community! I always hear that we want to live in a community where the arts are alive and well - so let’s prove that. In Gaston County we are mere steps from the largest fund raising effort for the arts in the United States - with Mecklenburg’s Arts and Science Council. Yet, many of our arts organizations are struggling. Please, get to know what your community has to offer.

With the United Arts Council’s support, Gaston Dance Theatre is the only civic dance company in Gaston County. The School of Gaston Dance Theatre is one of only four not-for-profit dance schools in the state of North Carolina. Students from the school have been accepted by North Carolina School of the Arts, the Joffrey Ballet, American Ballet Theatre and others.

A scholarship program provides assistance to talented students who demonstrate a financial need, with a special program providing funding for male students seriously interested in the study of dance.

The tradition of the Nutcracker ballet is our very best opportunity to showcase the talents of our dancers at Gaston Dance Theatre. You won’t believe the effort that goes into this very special event! It is a tremendous amount of work - but the end product is nothing short of spectacular.

Gaston Dance Theatre will present The Nutcracker at the Kimbrell Warlick Performing Arts Center at Gaston Day School 8 p.m. Dec. 12; 10:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. Dec. 13; 2:30 p.m. Dec. 14. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens. Group rates are available. There is a special children’s rate of $5 for the 10:30 a.m. matinee on Dec. 13. Seating is reserved. Tickets are available by phone. Call 704-865-5943.

If you can’t decide on the perfect gift for a neighbor or friend, give them a holiday basket and tuck in a couple of Nutcracker tickets. You may help them start a holiday tradition in their home.

To make the most of this holiday season we will once again be having Breakfast with the Sugarplum Fairy. This event will be held 9 a.m. Dec. 13 at the Henry Center cafeteria at Gaston Day School. Tickets are $10. At this event children and their parents will be able to enjoy a continental style breakfast, participate in craft activities and meet and greet our costumed dancers.

Please support the arts. Make gift donations for the holidays, attend a performance or volunteer your time. The arts help make Gaston County a healthy community of opportunity. We all want to live in a community that provides opportunity. Join me in the realization that dance, music, art or drama might be just the thing that makes a difference in a child’s life.

Have a Great Holiday Season!