Let the 39th Season Begin
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The Nutcracker 2019, Photo by Abigail Photos
hen planning began in January for Atlanta Dance Theatre’s 39th season, a global pandemic never crossed our minds. With theaters going black in March of 2020, many non-profits seasons were compromised. Spring productions were cancelled, seasons ended and the world went virtual. During the spring and summer months, our Artistic Director, Shelley Grames, never lost hope. “The world needs the arts, our youth need the arts.” Finding a way to safely navigate COVID-19 and provide opportunities for our dancers became our first priority. Through much planning and implementation of Center For Disease Control guidelines, we were able to open our doors in June for our Summer Intensives. Dancers were able to safely begin training again and there was a newness in the air. The dancers’ appreciation to be dancing again was palpable. Onto the Nutcracker! Our season starts with visions of sugar plums in the timeless tradition of The Nutcracker. We are very excited to be back on stage at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center. This year’s cast is a talented and energetic group of dancers. “I think all of us, myself and the dancers, are more appreciative and focused. With the pandemic, our joy in performing was taken away. Now with the promise of our upcoming production, we find ourselves invigorated!” says Shelley Grames. Tickets will be available to the public, with a socially distanced audience and safety measures in place. On we go to the Party, Battle, Snow Forest and finishing in the Land of Sweets! The stage will be filled with color, acting and magical dancing. We believe that our Guest Artist Cast is one of the best in Atlanta. Returning to our stage are Jonah Hooper, Robert Chabot, Lonnie Davis, Erick Jackson, Eric Nash and Katherine Ricardo. ADT will be teaming up again with Roswell Dance Theatre in March of 2021 at Byers Theatre at Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center, for an exciting joint performance! We will be presenting Aladdin and RDT will be presenting Alice In Wonderland. It is a show not to miss! Be part of our 39th season!
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