BTM Nutcrackers from Maryland to Texas

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BTM Nutcrackers from Maryland to Texas

CONTACT: Dianna Cuatto

(410)-263-8289

Dianna.Cuatto@balletmaryland.org

In the midst of the Ballet Theatre of Maryland’s (BTM’s) busy Nutcracker season with performances continuing at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts in Annapolis and the Modell Lyric in Baltimore, the professional company has managed to extend its reach to other communities in Washington D.C. and Dallas/Fort Worth. BTM Soloist Sean Sessions is performing in the Suzanne Farrell “Farewell Balanchine” performance at the Kennedy Center, while former Trainee Laura Pimpo is performing the role of Clara with Texas Ballet Theater. Laura graduated from BTM’s School of Classical and Contemporary Dance last June before joining the program at Texas Ballet Theater. In her first season with a professional company outside of BTM, Laura was asked the following questions:

1) Q: How did BTM and BTM’s School prepare you to dance professionally with the Texas Ballet Theater?

A: Ballet Theatre of Maryland taught me to work hard and learn quickly, so that I would always be prepared to step in and dance a choreographer’s work. While a part of BTM, I spent a lot of time watching and “covering” the other dancers—students, Trainees, Apprentices, and professionals. This helped me to learn to focus, be disciplined, and become a “quick study,” picking up the artistic details and intent of a work. That way I could step up into roles as needed.

2) Q: What are some of the biggest differences you have experienced between Texas Ballet Theater and the Ballet Theatre of Maryland?

A: Texas Ballet Theater has more community and economic support, which allows them to have a larger staff that is able to do technical/artistic work like load-in, staging, set-up, breakdown, and delivery. That allows the dancers to focus on their craft and performance.

3) Q: What do you miss most about being away from BTM?

A: I miss my friends, the other dancers, including the professionals, and the great environment surrounding BTM. I will always look back on my time there with fondness.

For more information about BTM's Nutcracker, its professional productions, its school of Classical or Contemporary Dance, or to find out how you can get involved or contribute, go online at www.balletmaryland.org or call (410)-263-8289.