The Spark! - December 2016 - Discovery ProgramsDiscovery Programs

The Spark – Holiday Edition!

December 2016

A Note From The Director

Dear Parents,

This time of year is always one of my favorites! I love the holiday season and exploring the fun things the city has to offer. Emma has put together a great list of things to do in the city during the holidays. Sabrina and I always visit the New York Botanical Garden train show, the Rockefeller Center tree, the holiday window displays, Bryant Park holiday shops, the Rockettes, and the Nutcracker.

Speaking of the Nutcracker: our annual Nutcracker Suite is this weekend! Our Nutcracker performance is a huge production but well worth it. The performance of our dance students really resonates with me in the same way and feeling that I had as a performer. It’s exciting and invigorating! Sarah Roberts, one of our dance teachers, tells us about that as well in this newsletter. Another fun Nutcracker activity to do with the family is to watch the Battle of the Nutcrackers: http://www.ovationtv.com/battle-of-the-nutcrackers/

Finally, rounding out the holiday experience, we shouldn’t forget to give back with our families. Here are some great opportunities compiled by Mommy Poppins:

https://mommypoppins.com/newyorkcitykids/volunteering-with-the-whole-family-this-holiday-season

Enjoy the season and Happy Holidays!

Warm wishes,

Katie Kheel

Ballet Beat

Sarah Danelle Roberts, Early Childhood and Dance Teacher

The Nutcracker is known as a classic holiday tradition for American culture. The tradition joined my life when I was about 5 years old. I would go every year with my mom, aunt and cousin. I remember one year after watching the show, I told my mother that one day I would dance the role of Clara up on that stage. I danced my first Nutcracker with The Tallahassee Ballet Company at age 9. I started as a mouse in the battle scene and a sleigh angel. Within the 10 wonderful years of dancing the Nutcracker I did in fact dance the roll of Clara like I told my mother years ago. It was a magical experience! In one of the many shows we performed, I remember standing next to my prince in the middle of the stage with the finale music and characters twirling all around me and realizing that I wanted to be a dancer as my career. This is why The Nutcracker is very special to me, it’s what made me fall in love with ballet and realize that I wanted dance to be a part of my life forever.

Now, I live in New York as a professional dancer and dance teacher. I am so thrilled to be sharing not only my love of dance but my love of The Nutcracker with the Discovery Ballet kids.