FCB Chronicle

NUTCRACKER LOGISTICS!

2008-11-20T09:54:00.000-08:00

Hi!

There will be a "Surviving The Nutcracker" Meeting on 11/29 and repeated on 12/6. You will receive information regarding performance week, spacing rehearsal etc....I will answer any questions.

We will need lots of volunteers~! A schedule will be circulated for you to "fill in the blanks". We really need help loading and unloading the props on both ends of the performance. We need some strong men to help move the clock, sleigh etc....We also have to move and install the marley floor.

On Friday 12/19 we will have a spacing rehearsal starting at 3:00. Afterwards there will be a pizza party at Connie's Grapevine Cafe located about 1 mile from the school on Main Street in Bloomfield. You are very welcome to join us Adults $5.00 and Children $3.00. There will be a sign up sheet and I will need to collect the money in advance. It would be fun to get us all together for a little "Kick Off"!

Nutcracker T-Shirts, logo Shorts and waterbottle orders will taken hopefully starting next rehearsal. I am working really hard on this. Once orders are placed it will take two weeks for delivery. So.....our timeframe for placing orders will be short. I think you will be pleased with the t-shirt design.

Advertising is starting Next week. Look in the Democrat and Chronicle Thanksgiving Weekend. I will point you to other publications as they occur. We will have The Daily Messenger do a story on us and also a radio interview. Again I will keep you posted.

Finger Lakes Coffee Roasters, Program Advertising! etc....

2008-11-11T17:35:00.000-08:00

Hi!

Our Finger Lakes Coffee Roaster sales campaign is under way! We are selling $2.00 single pot sized vaaccum packed bags. Great stocking Stuffers, Teacher and man gifts! THE MORE WE SELL THE MORE WE CAN ADVERTISE THE SHOW!!! If you haven't tasted the "Jamaican Me Crazy" you are totally missing out. I have been providing free cups of coffee at rehearsals. Be sure to try it!
You can download the order form TO PASS ON at work etc.... or order online! We accept visa, mastercard etc. if you order on line!

If you wish to advertise in our program please pick up a form (check your email too) at rehearsal. This will help off-set the cost of program printing and would be greatly appreciated. You may also purchase one to send well wishes to your performer.

Just a heads up! IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING ATTENDING THE SUNDAY MATINEE PERFORMANCE you may want to purchase your tickets soon. We have sold this performance out the past two years. You may purchase tickets at any of our locations including rehearsal or purchase on our website. We will start advertising in the Democrat and Chronicle and also the Messenger Post and expect ACTION! We are currently selling tickets slowly but steady!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! We will be looking for volunteers for backstage, dressing room and prop moving! Sign up sheets will be at rehearsal! ANN

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

2008-11-03T05:36:00.001-08:00

You can purchase Nutcracker tickets each Sunday at rehearsal, On-line at www.flowercityballet.com (Credit Cards accepted) and at the following locations:

Canandaigua National Bank- Victor, Bloomfield, Canandaigua Locations
Bailey's Slipper Shop- Monroe Avenue Pittsford
Connie's Grapevine Cafe, Bloomfield NY
Big M Supermarket, Bloomfield NY

Also! Plese support out Fingerlakes Coffee Roasters Fundraiser......there will be "high seller" prizes such as Flower City Ballet Water Bottles, Ballet Classes and even Nutcracker tickets! DETAILS TO FOLLOW!!!

THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT! ANN HARRIS

THANK YOU! and more......

2008-10-29T13:05:00.000-07:00

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Flower City Ballet I would like to take the opportunity to thank you all for you support with our Spaghetti Dinner. We were able to raise just over $1,000.00 which will pay for the developement of the growing christmas tree and rental of the backdrop for the livingroom scene! I personally had a great time seeing us all together enjoying a meal and sharing our friendship.

I am working currently on advertising the show along with making contacts with our ticket sale locations since tickets will go on sale 11/1. I will have tickets available for purchase at rehearsals for your convenince. Ticket prices are 12.00 for adults, 8.00 for seniors and students and 6.00 for children under 12.

If you are interested in further supporting us.....all of our money that we fundraise goes into costumes and production expenses we welcome your help. For the month of Novemember we are selling $2.00 single pot (10-12 cups) vaccum sealed packages of Fingerlakes Coffee Roaster Coffee. Check out our website under "support flower city ballet" and download an order form. These will make great stocking stuffers and christmas gifts for the post man etc..... We will be offering a month of free ballet lessons and some Nutcracker tickets to our high sellers! You may also pick up an order form from me at rehearsal.

Thanks again and see you Sunday. I may have Megan from Baileys Slipper Shop to assist with discounted shoes, tights etc....for the production. Keep you posted!

Ann

November Newsletter

2008-10-27T14:15:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

We are off to a fine start here at Flower City Ballet. We have gone through all our auditions for the Nutcracker, and we’d like to take this opportunity to thank all you ballet dancers in the Rochester and surrounding areas for all your support.

We had a splendid turnout and we are very excited to welcome aboard all the new dancers this year. We should have lots of fun and a spectacular performance on the 20th and 21st of December.

Our young ballet dancers have a great class on Saturdays mornings, and are learning a lot of the basic concepts of ballet. They too, are excited about their first stage performance with the Nutcracker.

Our participation in the ArtWalk this past September was very well received; we’d like to thank Carla and Cameron for another job well done, and let them know how proud we all were of their performance.

The studio is hustling and bustling, building new props, including our own 20 foot “growing” Christmas tree, and designing and sewing our beautiful costumes. The costume and prop rooms are really filling up with all the new “goodies”.

We just concluded our spaghetti dinner fundraiser, with excellent success compared to last year. As everyone who attended exclaimed, the local was great, but the food was superb, compliments of chef John Chupay (Ann Harris’s father). A special thanks to all those who helped us create and serve over 140 dinners. We raised over $1,000, which helps keep our tuitions low, plus funding some of the costs of the annual Nutcracker performance.

Hope you all had a beautiful fall season, and a Happy Halloween to all.
Sue Harris, secretary
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DINNER HEAD COUNT NEEDED! (PLEASE)

2008-10-20T07:44:00.000-07:00

Hi!

Please email approximately how many adults and children that you plan on bringing to the dinner (even if it is 0). I will be shopping for supplies this week and was hoping that I would have a better idea at this point of how many to plan for.

Please don't forget to bring your favorite dessert for our silent auction!

I can be emailed at dance@flowercityballet.com! ANN

Italian Dinner! Monies and Headcount due 10/19

2008-10-09T07:33:00.000-07:00

Hi! Please email me at dance@flowercityballet.com with your head count for the dinner. This will help alot with planning! If you have money or tickets to turn in Cindy Lovejoy will be available at Sunday's rehearsal. I will be on Vacation. IF you need tickets please let me know so that I can make them available to you~! Tickets can be purchased on line using your credit card!

Thank You! Ann

Rehearsal 10/26-11-2 and Italian Dinner!

2008-10-08T12:22:00.000-07:00

Hi all!

Rehearsal for 10/26 is 12:30-3:30! First Act (minus Snow) will rehearse from 12:30-3:30 . This includes Party Parents from 2:30-3:30

Pasta Dinner Seating will begin at 4:30 but we are expecting a big turnout so two seatings will be available. The second seating will begin at 5:45. Don't worry! There will be plenty of food! amd Fun for all. Please bring your best dessert for our dessert silent auction. Your support is appreciated!!!!

11/2 Nutcracker 1st Act 1-3:30 and 3:30-5 for Snow. Party Parents do not have to attend this rehearsal.

Thank YOu and I will be away next week so if you need Dinner Tickets please email me at dance@flowercityballet.com. You can also buy them on our website! Ann

The Pasta Dinner

ITALIAN DINNER TICKET PURCHASE NOW AVAILABLE ON-LINE!

2008-10-02T14:10:00.000-07:00

HI! If you are interested in paying for your tickets for the Italian dinner by credit or debit card or even PAYPAL you may do so on our website! Just click on the link on the homepage of our website! There is a .75 cent convenience fee per ticket. If you have any questions please email me at dance@flowercityballet.com! Thank You! ANN

10/1 Nutcracker update! (Udated 10/2)

2008-10-01T04:30:00.000-07:00

Hi!

This Sunday's rehearsal is for Gingerbread, Rose Parfum and Clowns! 1:00-2:30 and from 2:30-5:OO will be Mice, Mouse King, Soldiers, Clara, Clara's friends, Dolls

October 12th rehearsal is for act 2 and the act 2 finale 1:00-4:00

October 19th rehearsal is for act 1 - parents, children, Drosselmeyer, Clara, Clara's friends, Fritz, Fritz's friends 1:00 - 4:00

I am contacting Brighton Symphony regarding rehearsal for their performances and I will get back to you this week with the details so check back here for updates!

Soon you may be able to purchase Italian Dinner Tickets and Nutcracker Tickets on-line and with a credit or debit card! This is currently being tested and finalized . Again, check back for updates. This feature should be available real soon! Tickets will be available first for the performers to purchase the last two week in October.

We will begin our Fingerlakes Coffee Roaster fundraising campaign the first week of November. These single pot packages will be a great teacher gift and stocking stuffer. We are relying on fundraisers for the production! It helps to keep your performance fees low and enhances the over-all performance.

Some of you have not returned your performance agreement or fee! Please bring it to your next rehearsal.

Stay tuned for futher updates! Ann

Nutcracker Rehearsal/SPAGHETTI DINNER TICKETS

2008-09-22T14:14:00.000-07:00

Hi!

SUNDAY 9/28 1:00-5:00 DOLLS, HARLEQUIN, SPANISH, RUSSIAN, TEA,CANDY CANE, FLOWERS

SUNDAY 10/05 1:00-2:30 IS FOR ROSE PARFUM, CLOWNS, GINGERBREAD. 2:30 - 5:00 IS FOR MICE, MOUSE KING, SOLDIERS, DROESSELMEYER, CLARA, DOLLS

IF YOU DID NOT PICK UP YOUR TICKETS THEY WILL BE WAITING FOR YOU AT REHEARSALS! MONEY WILL BE DUE ON 10/19. I WILL NEED A FINAL COUNT FROM ALL OF YOU BY 10/19 SO THAT WE ARE PREPARED!

Have a great week! Ann

2008 Nutcracker Meeting!

2008-09-21T16:03:00.000-07:00

Hi! Here is a review of what was covered at the meeting today!~

Rehersals each Sunday from 1-5. Rehearsal schedule to be posted but check back here often for updates.

The performance agreement was passed out for signature and a $25.00 performance fee was collected. A $50.00 retainer will be collected and as long as you perform The Nutcracker it will be returned to you at the Cast Party,

Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser- Fellows Road Park, 499 Fellows Road Rochester, Sunday 10/26. All performers were given 10 tickets. Money will be due by 10/19. Please bring your friends and entire family since we really need to funds for this years performance to be a success. If you need more tickets they will be available on Sunday Rehearsals. There will be a 50/50 raffle and we need your dessert donations for our auction!

Other fundraisers are in the works and I will let you know ASAP

Tickets will be available for purchase for performers in October. Tickets for the general public will be available 11/1. Some of the ticket sale locations will be Baileys Slipper Shop, Bloomfield Big M, and perhaps Wegmans.

Baileys Slipper Shop has agreed to assist us again this year with tights, shoes, Pointe Shoes, Cami's etc.... that may be needed for your part. They will come to the rehearsals for fittings. They extend a nice discount to all of the performers so if you are in the shop be sure to let them know that the item is for The Nutcracker so that you may get the discount.

We will need volunteers to help with sewing, Back stage, Supervision, Costumes, movers, etc.....There will be a sign up at the studio.

Mr. Blatt reviewed the cast and the roles assigned. I will post next weeks rehearsal tomorrow. There will be a rehearsal The Saturday after Thanksgiving. Studio will be closed that Sunday.

That is about all that was covered. Ann Harris will be available each rehearsal for your assistance. PLEASE EMAIL ANY QUESTIONS TO DANCE@FLOWERCITYBALLET.COM! THANKS ANN

September Newsletter

2008-08-25T11:51:00.000-07:00

Fall classes will be starting the week of September 8th. We are looking forward to seeing all of our students again and also there is great excitement in welcoming some new students this year. We had a very successful summer and enjoyed some of our new endeavors we put in place for the summer. All in all, we had a nice summer.

We are getting ready for our “Nutcracker Tryouts” on September 6th at 1:00 at the Studio. We hope to see a lot of you ballet dancers who are interested in doing the production with us. Some questions have come up over the summer as to whether this involves becoming a member of Flower City Ballet. This has never been the intent our “Nutcracker” Performance. We are interested in students that would like to learn the choreography and be in the show as a learning experience or a desire to perform. Other than that, there is no mandate that you should be a member of the Flower City Ballet or that following the performances on Dec. 20th and 21st that you have to become a member. We want all participants to have this experience with our intentions: “ Have fun, learn some new ballet choreography, receive stage experience and meet new friends”. By the way, there are several roles left for intermediate and advanced dancers who are also on pointe. Call the studio if you are interested (325-2114) or just show up.

We are participating in the Artwalk this year; Sunday, September 14th. Carla and Cameron are doing the “pas de deux” and the “Coda” from the “Nutcracker”. Come and join us if you can, as I know they would love to have your support. It really is a fun day.

We will be starting Sunday rehearsals for our performances of the Nutcracker. Also our performances with the Brighton Symphony. There are also some performances in the works for several other venues, but they have not yet been finalized.
We’d like to welcome aboard two new board members: Deb Buckley and Cyndi Lovejoy. Thanks to both of you for your commitment.

We have once again committed to doing the “Mommie and Me Expo” in the Spring of 2009. We will be doing some performances there also. Should be lots of fun.

Our Spring performance will include “Strauss Waltzes” next year and soon we will be learning the new choreography for that.
Our new youth and adult classes are growing by leaps and bounds and we are having so much fun with all of our new students.
Well, this is all for now. Our Artistic Director will be starting some informative articles from time to time in our newsletter. Look for them soon.

June Newsletter

2008-06-19T11:52:00.000-07:00

We have been very busy the last month or so finishing up our school year.
Our Open House and Nutcracker Auditions were a huge success. We enjoyed meeting so many new people who share our interest in ballet. Be on the lookout for our last auditions for the Nutcracker in early September. We will be posting the date soon.
Our new children’s classes are going well and we hope to have a nice turn-out for our summer camps in July (look further on the web sight if you are interested in coming- the dates are posted). Please don’t hesitate to call (325-2114) if you’d like to attend our Children’s Summer Camp or our Summer Intensive Camp for Intermediate and advanced students. (Information is listed on the Web Site). We have some openings left. Call and make your reservations.
One of our students has just returned from ABT Summer Camp (Carla Verlarde). She had a wonderful time and she is busily teaching and filling us in on her incredible experiences and all the new ballet information.
We have sent in our application for participation in the Art Walk Program this year in September. So we are hoping to become involved with that wonderful endeavor.
Our regular school classes will end on Saturday, June 21st. We will be starting up again in the Fall on Monday, September 8th with our regular classes.
We will be in rehearsal for some Fall Programs with the Seniors, a Performance with the Brighton Symphony in October and of course our Nutcracker in December.
Hope all of you have a wonderful Summer and we will see you in the Fall. Please call our studio (325-2114) with any questions for need of further information.

Newsletter #1 - May, 2008

2008-05-03T10:58:00.000-07:00

Welcome to all our new students - we're glad to have you on board.

Thought we'd try something new for a few months and see how everyone likes the idea of a monthly newsletter.

We have been very busy moving our props and costumes to a new home. It is much larger and can effectively house all our things, provide sewing space as well as providing a new office location for Mr. Blatt. We even have a skylight and live plans; so we are very excited.

For those of you who may not have noticed, we have added new mirrors to our walls, which enlarged it considerably. We are negotiating for 3 more to use on our side wall.

May should be an exciting and bust month. We will still be in rehearsal for the Fall show in October, but we are also getting ready for our open house on May 10th, from 1:00 to 3:00 at the studio. There will be demos, a tour of the studio and our new office and costume room, conversation, a question/answer period, plus cookies and punch. So, if you are free that day, come pay us a visit.

On May 18th, we will have tryouts for our December 20th and 21st production of the Nutcracker. This will be our 3rd year for the production, and we are once again excited to present it. All who wish to tryout (6 years and over) are more than welcome - all parts are open.

So, the studio will be a busy place during the month of May, as well as the very busy schedule for the costume room, preparing for the upcoming show.

Look for the next newsletter in June.

Congratulations Carla

2008-04-10T10:55:00.000-07:00

Carla Velarde has been accepted to American Ballet Theatre for their summer intensive program. Carla has studied classical ballet with Mr. Wayne Blatt at the Flower City Ballet since the age of 10. She also attended the summer program at Brianksy and the highly competitive NYSSSA summer program with the New York City Ballet for two consecutive summers. She has performed in many productions of The Nutcracker, including Flower City Ballet and the Moscow Ballet. She also danced in the productions of "Le Sylphides", "Faust", and "Alice in Wonderland". Carla is currently attending the School of Biomedical Science at the University of Rochester, majoring in science with a minor in dance.

Everyone wishes her a lost of luck in this new venture.

Nutcracker DVD has Shipped!

2008-01-30T07:08:00.000-08:00

For those of you that have ordered a DVD of the 2007 Nutcracker performance, I am happy to report that they are complete and have been mailed out via USPS as of today. I have orders standing by to be mail for: Wyane Blatt, Mike Thireos, Gladys Velarde, once payment is received.

I hope you enjoy the DVD!

Skeeter Harris

Spring Performance Rehearsal for 1/20!

2008-01-16T17:48:00.000-08:00

Hi! Sunday we will begin rehearsing Faust at 12:30 until 2:15. At 2:15 we will rehearse the Red Poppy and Habanero (younger group). I will post details of the Spring Performance ASAP but I think we are looking at Saturday 4/12 for the performance date.
Check the Blog often for updates! ANN

CAST PARTY !!!!!!

2007-12-31T15:34:00.000-08:00

YOU ARE INVITED TO OUR CAST PARTY!

TIME: 6:00
PLACE: FLOWER CITY BALLET, 250 CUMBERLAND STREET, ROCHESTER
DATE: WEDNESDAY 1/2/07

MUSIC, FOOD, GOOD FRIENDS PROVIDED!

SEE YOU THERE!

YOU ARE WELCOME TO BRING A MUNCHIE IF YOU WISH!

THANK YOU ALL IN ADVANCE FOR ALL OF YOUR HELP. WE COULD NOT HAVE HAD SUCH A WONDERFUL PERFORMANCE WITHOUT ALL OF YOU. FLOWER CITY BALLET TRULY APPRECIATES ALL YOU HAVE DONE FOR US.!!!!!

Rehearsal Time Change!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! etc...

2007-12-24T07:04:00.000-08:00

Hi! Rehearsal for 12/27 is at 5:00 instead of 7:00!

We need coolers for the shared food table and Concessions! Please let me know if you have one to spare so that we are sure to have enough.

Speaking of "Shared Food Table"; this worked really well last year with all of your cooperation and generous donations. We are looking for vege trays, bagel trays, fruit, small sandwiches, etc....We could also use Jugs of water so that we keep our performers well hydrated!

We will have a pizza party immediatley following dress rehearsal! See you all there and thank you for all of your professionalism, dedication and good spirits.

You are going to be GREAT!

Have a Happy Holiday! Ann

Rehearsal! Logo Clothes etc....

2007-12-19T16:58:00.000-08:00

Hi! Rehearsal this Sunday will begin at 12:30 with the First Act. We will be practicing with props etc...We will be ready for the second act by 2:30! There will also be another rehearsal on 12/27 at 7:00 at the Studio!

The Baileys order will be available for pick up. Please make checks payable to Flower City Ballet. I mailed each of you your total and will have the invoice for you on Sunday. The Logo clothes are also in so I will do my best to get the order all sorted out and available on Sunday also.

Stay Healthy!

Ann

Land Of Snow!!!!!

2007-12-15T15:06:00.000-08:00

THE SNOW QUEESN IS BESTOWING HERSELF ON WESTERN NEW YORK; THEREFORE REHEARSAL IS CANCELLED FOR TOMORROW. STAY HOME AND SAFE BUT DON'T SPEND TOO MUCH TIME IN THE LAND OF SWEETS! SEE YOU AT THE PARTY SCENE NEXT WEEK! ANN

Sunday Rehearsal!/SNOWSTORM

2007-12-14T13:50:00.000-08:00

Hi! Based on the weather report; It is unlikely that there will be rehearsal on Sunday. Please check the blog tomorrow evening to make sure.....weather can play tricks on us! WE WILL MAKE THE CALL ON SATURDAY EARLY EVENING. Stay safe! Ann

Rehearsal December 27th and Party Men!/etc...

2007-12-11T09:07:00.000-08:00

Hi! There will be a special rehearsal on 12/27 at 7:00 at the Studio. We will work through the entire show and include all props. This should not be a dress rehearsal because then we will have to get all the costumes back in shape to ship to GCC but......If we can get "The Press" there we may have to!

Party Parent Men! You are responsible for your own shoes. They must be black dress shoes please! Thanks to all of you that got measured for your Tux!

Please read "up a few blogs" if you have not been visiting lately because as we get closer to the show the blog shall be busier then Santa's Workshop!

Rehearsal Next Sunday starts at 12:30 for first act and 2:00-4:30 for Second Act

Stay Healthy Please! Ann

Nutcracker Logistics

2007-12-06T18:36:00.000-08:00

Dancers - Please check out the following Link for Logistics on the upcoming Nutcracker Performances!