COLORADO CONSERVATORY OF DANCE PRESENTS A SENSORY-FRIENDLY VERSION OF THE NUTCRACKER

Colorado Conservatory of Dance (CCD) is proud to present a special version of the traditional Denver Metro family favorite ballet The Nutcracker, presented by Sill-Terhar Motors, for people with special and sensory needs on Friday, December 16 at 6:30 PM at the Performing Arts Complex at Pinnacle Charter School, 1001 W. 84^th Avenue in Denver.

Colorado Conservatory of Dance is in its twelfth year of offering Dance Expressions – a program which uses dance to build critical developmental skills and physical strength and flexibility for children with special needs ranging from Cerebral Palsy to Down Syndrome. Building on their expertise with this core program, CCD has developed a theatre experience for people with special needs. Thanks to generous contributions from the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) and other supporters, CCD is pleased to offer free or deeply discounted admissions to the production.
 
CCD is proud to say that we were the first organization in Colorado to adapt traditional performances to allow patrons of all abilities to participate in this annual holiday tradition. We are very eager to bring back to the stage this beloved tradition for our patrons to enjoy this 7th annual special performance.
 
CCD’s production of The Nutcracker boasts gorgeous sets and costumes, stunning choreography, and acclaimed international guest artists. During this annual experience created especially for people with special needs, CCD will alter the normal house rules, fostering the opportunity for families with a special needs family member to feel welcomed in a theatre setting. The performance will feel and look the same as our performances which are open to the general public, but will allow for reactions that would normally be seen as distracting in a typical theatre experience.
 
?      Sound levels are adjusted to a moderate, consistent level to avoid unpredictable loud sounds.
?      House lights will be left up to avoid total darkness.
?      Guests of Honor are encouraged to bring manipulatives into the theatre.
?      Guests of Honor may react to the story on the stage in the way that feels right to them. They may stand up, walk around, take breaks, etc. as needed.
?      Seating is limited to no more than half the house (300 seats) to ensure each audience member has adequate room.
 
The 2022 production features guest stars Chisako Oga and Daniel Durrett, both from Boston Ballet, who perform the roles of Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. One audience member of our Sensory-Friendly production has said, “This event has become an annual family tradition that we look forward to every year. My ten year old daughter Eve has a complex genetic disorder. She is profoundly deaf, has low-vision, has global developmental disabilities, autism, and an intellectual disability. She is able to stand right in front of the stage (for visual access), dance/move, and she has complete freedom just to exist as the beautiful person she is without constraints or judgment. There is truly no other event like this where my entire family can be comfortable and truly feel and be welcomed and accepted for who we are."
 
CCD’s mission statement, “we unleash individual potential and invigorate community through dance,” manifests itself through its production of The Nutcracker, as it features over 50 student cast members. Some of these students are attending the conservatory on either merit-based, financial based, or crisis relief scholarships. In fact, CCD provides nearly $90,000 of tuition assistance per year as part of its belief that dance should be an enriching and fulfilling experience that is accessible to everyone, regardless of age, ability, aspiration, or socio-economic status.

$10 Friends & Family | Guest of Honor FREE
To order tickets please call 303.466.5685