An Under Sea Voyage with the Little Mermaid

By Barbara Norton

NORTH EAST - WOW!

That’s the only word to describe a two-hour ballet that can keep a crowded theatre full of parents, grandparents, dance enthusiasts, and dozens of little kids enthralled with the story unfolding in front of them – a story that has no words, only music and dancing.

That’s what happened at the Milburn Stone Theatre at Cecil College when the Cecil Dance Theatre (CDT) presented matinee performances of “The Little Mermaid” on May 6th and 7th. I remember wondering how many of the enthusiastic, mostly 5,6, and 7-year-olds who answered Cecil Dance Theatre Direc- tor Tina Travers’ invitation to come on stage before the show began and do the “Hokey-Pokey” with cast members would last through the show. They came forward without hesitation. And when they returned to their seats they stayed attentive, obviously loving every moment.

How could they not? The colorful costumes of mermaids, seahorses, scary creatures, and a huge variety of sea life were glittery and appealing. The backdrop of a castle with a sailing ship pulled up to its dock, and the projections of a fascinating under-the-sea world are perfect. Best of all, the innovative choreography of Soviet Union trained former balleri- na Anya Ivanova-Bojko, and the outstanding performances of the huge cast of dancers are just wonderful. Many of these young performers have been studying dance at CDT since they too were toddlers. Particularly outstanding were Marie Bojko as Ariel, the Little Mer- continued on page 2

Little Mermaid

continued from cover maid, and Aidan Gresock as Prince Eric. Maria has been studying ballet for 16 years and has appeared in CDT shows since 2011, including “Sleeping Beauty,” “The Swan Princess,” and more. Her lines and on-point moves personify beauty and grace.

Aidan is as handsome as she is beautiful and he does an excellent job of framing the ballerina’s moves. Together they execute breathtaking jumps and lifts. Aidan has also studied at CDT for a number of years. He recently played Prince Phillip in “Sleeping Beauty” and the Cavalier in “The Nutcracker.” He is about to graduate from Havre de Grace High School and has received $408,000 in college scholarship offers. He plans to major in dance.

With a cast of 26, it’s impossible to recognize everyone by name, but a few of the outstanding performances include Annabel Carney as Princess Ursula and Gracie Milanoski as Ursula the Sea Witch. Both bring years of dance experience and dramatic energy to their fiery shared character. I also really enjoyed Zack Cantler

Johnson, who played a sailor with great enthusiasm and also executed several difficult lifts. Zack received his Bachelors of Fine Arts degree in dance from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and has appeared in several CDT shows.

Cecil Dance Theatre produces two dance-centered shows per year, so even if you missed “The Little Mermaid” you can look forward to their performance of “The Nutcracker,” also at the Milburn Stone Theatre, scheduled for December 16 and 17, 2023. Call 410-2871037 or go online at www. cecildancecenter.com for tickets.

On Wednesday, April 26th, Youth Empowerment Source held their annual "Build a Burger" fundraiser. The evening was a tremendous success with over 190 in attendance. Music from "The Krispy Minstrel" set the tone, and food was both plentiful and delicious, especially the build your own burger bar. Youth led the event serving as greeters, busboys, master of ceremonies and guest speakers. Perryville Junior Gaby Mills and Rising Sun Junior Mason Watters led the evening as the emcee's, and testimonials from Elkton High School Senior Javier Villagomez-Magana and Sophomore Joslyn Robinson were delivered with humor and grace. Cupcake and Basket raffles were wildly popular, thanks to the generosity of the community who donated a wide variety of interesting and unique items.

Youth Empowerment Source thanks everyone who contributed to the success of the evening. Funds raised will be used to support programs for children and youth in Cecil County.