Articles

Press Release – New Home!

HICKORY — Hickory Ballet & Performing Arts has a new home. HBPA is moving to a downtown location in the former Hickory Daily Record building at 116 Third St. NW.

The public is invited to an open house to see the new studio from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Aug. 27.

HBPA’s new facility, one block from the Hickory Community Theatre, is outfitted with three state-of-the-art dance studios, each with sprung Marley flooring, along with an acoustic tap floor.

A new Parent Lobby with restored hardwood flooring provides a large space where parents can wait while their children take classes or are in rehearsal.

Included in HBPA’s new location are a dance boutique, a small play area for younger siblings, a study room for students to use between classes, a music room for private voice lessons, a kitchen and an office. All the rooms are filled with natural light from the many windows.

“We are so excited to be a part of the downtown arts district and so close to the thriving Hickory Square,” says HBPA Executive Director Leanna Bodnar. “We welcome parents and interested community members to stop by during the open house, tour the new facility and celebrate this great milestone for HBPA.”

HBPA will put on a musical in the fall, “Winnie the Pooh, Kids!” as well as the traditional “Nutcracker” ballet in December, a spring musical and a story ballet, says Bodnar. The studio’s outreach performance opportunities continue to expand with Books to Ballet and Books to Broadway in association with local libraries as well as other collaborations with professional artists in the area.

Registration is now open for ages 3 to adult.

Hickory Ballet & Performing Arts is a nonprofit organization that offers a full schedule of classes and summer camps. Visit www.hickoryballetpa.com or call 828-328-3794 for additional information. The studio is located at 116 Third St. NW in downtown Hickory.

Press Release – Guest Artists for Nutcracker!

NYC Ballet Dancers Join Hickory Ballet for The Nutcracker
HICKORY — Even though it’s summer, it’s not too early to be thinking
ahead to December and performances of the perennial holiday favorite, The
Nutcracker. Hickory Ballet & Performing Arts (HBPA) students will present
several performances of the beloved ballet at the Old Post Office Playhouse,
Green Room Theatre, in Newton.
Thanks to a grant from the United Arts Council of Catawba County, two
outstanding guest artists will join the production. Uma Deming will be
dancing the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy and LaJeromeny Brown will
appear as her Cavalier.
“Among their prestigious credits, Uma and LaJeromeny both danced for the
New York City Ballet,” says HBPA Executive Director Leanna Bodnar.
“We are excited that they are going to join us and that our students will have
the experience of dancing alongside professionals. It’s a rare opportunity,
and we are extremely grateful to the United Arts Council of Catawba County
for their support that makes this possible.”
Uma Deming was born in Rochester, NY, and began her ballet training at
the Timothy M. Draper Center for Dance Education at the age of three,
where she studied with Jamey Leverett, Beth Bartholomew, Fidel Ernesto
Orrillo Puga, and her mother, Julianne Deming.
She attended summer courses at the School of American Ballet (SAB), the
official school of NYCB, in 2013 and 2014, before entering SAB full-time
for the 2014 winter term. She received additional summer training at Miami
City Ballet School, Boston Ballet School, the School of Carolina Ballet, and
Pacific Northwest Ballet School.
While at SAB, she trained with the Royal Danish Ballet company and school
as a recipient of the Danish American National Cultural Exchange

scholarship program. Additionally, as a student, Deming performed with the
Draper Center-affiliated Rochester City Ballet in The Nutcracker and
Cinderella.
Deming was named an apprentice with NYCB in November 2018, and a
Corp De Ballet member in November 2019.
Deming is currently in the Corp De Ballet at Carolina Ballet, as of this year.
LaJeromeny Brown is a member of New York City Ballet’s corps de ballet.
Brown was born in Chattanooga, TN, and began his dance training at the age
of 11 at the Center for Creative Arts in Chattanooga under Karen Wilson and
Jessica Bowman. In 2012, he began training at Ballet Tennessee under Anna
and Barry VanCura.
Brown attended the summer course at the School of American Ballet,
NYCB’s official school, in 2016 before entering SAB full-time for the 2016
winter term. Additional training included summer courses at Pacific
Northwest Ballet and Boston Ballet.
In November 2018, Brown was named an apprentice with NYCB and in
May 2019 he joined the Company as a member of the corps de ballet. Brown
is also an entrepreneur and fashion designer.
The Nutcracker performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. on December 10, 3
p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on December 11, and 3 p.m. on December 12. HBPA
will also host a gala event on December 10, with details yet to come.
HBPA enrollment is currently open to all ages. In order to perform in The
Nutcracker, dancers must be enrolled by September 17.
HBPA offers a full schedule of classes. Visit www.hickoryballetpa.com

Info about Our Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

http://catawbachamber.chambermaster.com/events/details/ribbon-cutting-hickory-ballet-performing-arts-8-14-2019-6229

 

 

Press Release –  Summer Camps 

Summer Fun & Learning Opportunities at Hickory Ballet and Performing Arts

 

HICKORY — It’s not too early to be thinking about summertime activities for the kids as Hickory Ballet & Performing Arts gets set to roll out its summer program. Featuring creative camps, dance classes, musical theatre offerings and acting intensives for children of all ages, the multi-week schedule begins the week of June 17 and continues into early August.

 

“We’ve crafted an exciting program focusing on an array of activities and skill levels,” says HBPA Executive Director Leanna Bodnar. “Parents can enroll their children in one or more weeks of our summer camps or have them take part in our open dance classes. New this year are our acting camps, in partnership with Hickory Community Theatre. It’s an amazing opportunity for kids 10-17 to gain acting experience and enjoy the fun and camaraderie of performing.”

 

Summer Camps

  • Four and five year olds have six camps to choose from, including Bugs & Butterflies, Mother Goose, Ballerina, Fancy Nancy, Dr. Seuss and Under the Sea. Camps run from 9 a.m. to noon.

 

  • Rising 1st through 5th graders will enjoy three different weeks of Ballet Intensives, Musical Theater and a Skill Builder Week. Programs run from 9 a.m. to noon

 

  • Sixth through 12th graders can choose from Intermediate/Advanced Ballet Intensives, Youth Musical Theater, Acting Intensives, and Student Choreography. Programs run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 

Acting Intensives

A collaboration between HBPA and Hickory Community Theater for students ages 10-17. The acting camps will provide drama instruction, including scene work and character development. Two sessions: July 22-26 and August 5-9. Each session concludes with a final rendering at 5:30 p.m. on Friday in the Firemen’s Kitchen at HCT.

 

Open Dance Classes

Open Dance Classes for ages 8 and up will be offered Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, June 17-August 2 (closed week of July 4th) in Classical Ballet, Lyrical/Acro and Tap/Rhythm. Sessions are available for Beginner/Intermediate and Intermediate/Advanced students.

 

In addition, private lessons are available for vocal coaching and dance instruction.

 

To learn more about the summer activities program or to enroll, visit the HBPA website at www.hickoryballetpa.com, call (828) 328-3794, or email info@hickoryballetpa.com.

 

Press Release – Alice in Wonderland 

Hickory Ballet Presents Alice in Wonderland

 

NEWTON — The stage at the Old Post Office Playhouse will be transformed into an otherworldly scene when dancers from Hickory Ballet & Performing Arts unveil all the “curiouser and curiouser” characters in Alice in Wonderland in performances on May 31, June 1 and June 2.

Join Alice during the full-length ballet as she encounters extraordinary and hilarious characters, from the highly-strung Queen of Hearts, to a sinuous caterpillar to a tap-dancing Mad Hatter. Silly flamingos, adorable sea creatures and dancing cards help tell the topsy-turvy story that is entertainment for the entire family..

Principal dancers in the production include Eva Peterson as Alice; Mary Meinyk (May 31, 7:30 p.m. and June 1, 3 p.m.) and Kate Mullis (June 1, 7:30 p.m. and June 2, 3 p.m.) share the role of the Queen of Hearts; and Brilee Lutz (May 31, 7:30 p.m. and June 1, 3 p.m.) and Sophia Ford (June 1, 7:30 p.m. and June 2, 3 p.m.) take on the role of the White Rabbit.

“You won’t want to miss this amazing production of Alice,” says artistic director Adrienne Lowman. “The students have put an enormous amount of effort into learning all the parts in our interpretation of this enchanting ballet and the costumes are out of this world.”

Show times are Friday, May 31 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, June 1 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, June 2 at 3 p.m. Tickets are available by calling the Green Room at (828) 464-6128 or on the website at thegreenroomtheatre.org.

The Old Post Office Playhouse is located at 10 South Main Avenue in Newton.

Hickory Ballet & Performing Arts offers a full schedule of classes. Visit www.hickoryballetpa.com or call (828) 328-3794 for additional information. The studios are located inside Foothills Gymnastics, 920 29th Ave NE, Hickory.

 

Dancers Participate in Western Piedmont Symphony Fundraiser

https://www.hickoryrecord.com/news/ice-ball-raises-for-symphony/article_96aa1e9a-1c18-11e9-b1ad-335462bb7e58.html

 

Registration Open for Fall Semester at Hickory Ballet & Performing Arts

HICKORY — Registration for the 2018-2019 season at Hickory Ballet & Performing Arts is now open. This year, all students in the ballet program will also participate in performances of the beloved Nutcracker ballet, December 14-16, at The Old Post Office Playhouse in Newton.

Dozens of classes in a variety of dance disciplines and levels are designed to appeal to students of all ages, both youngsters and adults. Students may choose from Pre-ballet, Ballet, Broadway Rep, Gymnast Ballet, Freshman Tap, Modern Fundamentals, Men’s Ballet, Pas de Deux, Ballet Pointe and many more. Additionally, the studio offers classes in Stage Presence, Yoga, Pilates, and Musical Theatre. Classes are held Monday through Saturday.

HB&PA is excited to introduce Kevin Martin, its new Resident Master Class Instructor. Kevin, an expert in Vagonova technique, will teach Advanced Intermediate-Pre Professional dance every Saturday morning from 10 to noon. Dancers from any studio are welcome to attend this class.

Adrienne Lowman, an eight-year veteran of the studio, has assumed the role of full time Artistic Director of Ballet and Educational Outreach. Adrienne has taught at each level of the school and draws on her extensive experience as both a dancer and choreographer to share her passion for dance with her students.

“We have a terrific line up of classes scheduled this fall,” said HB&PA Executive Director Leanna Bodnar. “Our goal is to nurture students where they are, providing both challenges and successes. Some students intend to make dance or performing their career, while others just want to participate and have fun. Our expert instructors welcome them all.”

A full schedule of classes can be found on the HB&PA website at www.hickoryballetpa.com or call (828) 328-3794 to register or for additional information. Partial scholarships are available every semester to a limited number of students. The studios are located inside Foothills Gymnastics, 920 29th Ave NE, Hickory.

Ten Benefits of Dance for Children

By sponsored advertising content from Hickory Ballet & Performing Arts
Aug 22, 2018

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It’s no secret that music and movement are directly connected to child development. Dancing sharpens the mind, strengthens the body, and is simply a wonderful activity for kids of any age. Here are ten reasons to enroll your child in dance classes:

  1. Dance improves self-esteem.
  2. Dance promotes creativity.
  3. Dance strengthens classroom performance.
  4. Dance encourages socialization and teamwork.
  5. Dance instills great habits and accountability.
  6. Dance improves physical health.
  7. Dance promotes an active lifestyle.
  8. Dance decreases anxiety and improves mood.
  9. Dance develops an appreciation for the arts.
  10. Dance is FUN!

Ready to dance? Hickory Ballet & Performing Arts is now enrolling ages 3+ for fall! We offer a pre-professional ballet program alongside a strong performing arts program. Our classes are taught by highly trained instructors in a positive and encouraging environment.

HBPA Open House: Friday, August 24th, 2018 from 5pm-9pm & Saturday, August 25th, 2018 from 9am-12noon. Hickory Ballet and Performing Arts invites you to come to our Open House! Meet some of our instructors, tour our studios and ask questions about enrollment. HBPA offers classes for children ages 3+ in ballet, tap, modern, lyrical, acro and musical theater. We also offer adult ballet, pilates and yoga!

Free Trial Week: August 27th -31st, 2018. Students may try any of HBPA’s classes for free during this week with no obligation. Please call the office to sign up for a free trial class or two! Find out what type of dance your child likes best!

HBPA Fall Session: Fall classes begin August 27th, 2018.  Enroll today and start garnering the many benefits a dance education offers. Check out our website at hickoryballetpa.com for our fall schedule or like us on Facebook.

Call 828-328-3794 or email info@hickoryballetpa.com for more information!

 

https://hickory.macaronikid.com/articles/5b7daf12a6494208ba1c47ce/ten-benefits-of-dance-for-children

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