Upcoming Productions Feature Londonderry Dancers

Some talented students from the Londonderry Dance Academy, many from Londonderry and Windham, will be performing in two very different programs this weekend.

“A Child’s View of the Holocaust” will be performed once again by the New England Dance ensemble for Londonderry Middle School Friday, May 3, and again at 7:30 p.m. at the Londonderry Dance Academy at 21 Buttrick Road for the public. 

“A Child’s View of the Holocaust” is an original drama ballet choreographed in 1990 by LDA’s Artistic Director Barbara Mullen.

The production recognizes the atrocities that occurred toward Jews at the hands of the Nazi party in Germany between 1939 and 1945.

A touring group of 25 highly trained NEDE company members present this 40-minute production annually, visiting schools, universities, and civic communities in commemoration of the Holocaust.

Nothing can erase the tragedy of a systematic attempt to exterminate a race, but showing respect for the survivors and regard for the human spirit imparts valuable lessons.

Holocaust survivor Paul Oppenheimer believes memories of Auschwitz and the Holocaust belong in the schools, noting, "It should not be taught as a history lesson but as a lesson in history, it should never happen again."

While illuminating historical events, the production may also be applied to contemporary issues including bullying and prejudice.

In 2011, “A Child’s View of the Holocaust” was awarded the prestigious Charles A. Hildebrandt Award from the Cohen Center for Holocaust & Genocide Studies at Keene State College.

Dancers from Londonderry (ages 8 to 18) are Alison Cashin, Nikki Jastrem, Emily Jastrem, Danielle Cournoyer, Dustin Cournoyer, Laurel Armes, Haley Follansbee, Mary Sullivan, Alexis Morgan, MaryAnnah Semanek, Brook Soucy and Samantha Mauceri.

Dancers from Windham (all between ages 8 to 18) are Danielle Fitzgerald, Cara Chrissis, Alexa Splagounias, Catherine Miceli, Alana Haggerty, Victoria InDelicato, Abby Cavers and Molly Carlson. 

On a lighter note, the academy’s Story Dance Touring Company, a division of the regional New England Dance Ensemble, will be performing the delightful “The Lorax” at the academy’s studios on Saturday, May 4, at 2:30 p.m. for family and friends.

Based on the eco-conscious book by Dr. Seuss, and made popular by a movie by the same title, this highly entertaining production was recently performed during Windham’s Green Fair. It was also performed recently at the Stone Zoo in Stoneham, Mass.

Published in 1971, and perhaps inspired by the "save our planet" mindset of the 1960s, “The Lorax” is an ecological warning that still rings true today amidst the dangers of clear-cutting, pollution, and disregard for the earth's environment.

The SDTC is comprised of southern New Hampshire performers between the ages of 5 and 12. The mission of this enthusiastic and talented company is to spread understanding, kindness and consciousness by bringing to life morally based children’s literature.

Directed by New York University graduate student Kate Mullen, SDTC has enjoyed six years of offering values education through performing arts.

The engaging cast sings and dances their way through the classic Seuss tale about the environment, industry, empowerment and how one individual can help the Earth.

Windham Center School fifth-grader Victoria InDelicato, 11, plays the part of the fuzzy yellow tree-hugging Lorax.

Other dancers from Windham in “The Lorax” are Olivia Fee, 8; Gabrielle Gallant, 8; Katrina Souter, 9; Stephanie Wan, 9; Molly Carlson, 10; Abby Cavers, 11; Cali Behling, 9 and Lola Behling, 6.

Dancers from Londonderry are Ellie Cook; 9, Rachel Cook, 11; Carly Butler, 10; Emma Donnelly, 10; Erin Strike, 9; Keira Strike, 6;  Kiera Verani, 8; Julia Verani, 6; April Mauceri, 11; Audrey Severn, 11 and Maryannah Semaneck, 12.

More information about the production and nonprofit arts entity New England Dance Ensemble is available at www.nede.org. Please contact NEDE if you are interested in bringing this important, award-winning drama to your school, community, or civic organization. You can also reach NEDE at newenglanddanceensemble@gmail.com, or by calling 647-5952.