(Chelsea Update would like to thank Patricia Marsh for the information in this story.)
Local nonprofit Ballet Chelsea (formerly Youth Dance Theatre) plans a benefit performance on Friday, Aug. 9 at 7 p.m. at the Washington Street Education Center auditorium.
Although the show is free donations will be accepted and proceeds will support Ele’s Place, a healing center for grieving children and teens.
“This is the third benefit that Ballet Chelsea has put on, and the second as part of its Summer Dance Intensive,” says President Jane Thompson in a press release.
Previous efforts have raised money for Chelsea’s Grace Clinic and Team Austin, a group set up to help local cancer patient Austin Nichols.
Dancers maintain their high level of fitness and improve their craft by participating in intensives during the summer months, says Artistic Director Wendi DuBois.
The students also enjoy learning new choreography, and having a benefit during the off-season is a “great way to give back to the community, which is an important part of our mission,” she says.
Included is classic and contemporary ballet, as well as modern pieces. Repertory works, and new, original choreography, will be presented, some by guest artists.
Haley Williams, Miss Michigan 2013, who plans to attend, says she wishes to share her platform, which deals with helping kids overcome childhood grief, according to the press release.
