The Dance Shop at The Nutmeg, part of the conservatory complex, has seen its share of rejuvenation as well. A complete re-design of the interior space was overseen by Boe Studios including replacement windows and a lighter, brighter feel to what is more than just a dance shop, but a vibrant downtown boutique. New banners mark the entrance on Main Street and exciting merchandise await all who enter the friendly new atmosphere.
There were exciting moves on the cyber-space front as well. A dynamic new website was designed and developed by the Walker Group bringing The Nutmeg Ballet a more current, sleek, and sophisticated look in keeping with the objectives of the organization. Not to be left behind, this professional ballet training program increased visibility with social media including an increased presence on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr, for example
Clearly, there is a renewed spirit of making things happen and moving the organization forward that has fueled so much excitement this past year.
The Parent Network at The Nutmeg has much to do with that sense of energy and can-do attitude that has taken over the building. This year alone, the parent-run volunteer organization has increased the number of scholarships made available to trainees through effective fundraising. The group organized a wellness seminar during Parent’s Weekend, a field trip to a Boston Ballet performance of La Bayadère, coordinated a holiday decorating party, and hosted a spectacular Sugarplum Tea Party, all while maintaining an active volunteer base.
These volunteers have invested countless hours repairing and renovating set pieces, helping out in the Costume Shop, working backstage and with production, chaperoning the young children, working in the Dance Shop and with the Nutcracker Boutique, decorating the building, and doing whatever was needed to support the students and assure successful productions.
Lee Carter of Eastside Electric secured warehouse space for the volunteers to make renovations and repairs to set pieces while David Jones designed and built new fog machines for the special effects used in the Nutcracker productions. There was no limit to the dedication and the creativity of the Nutmeg volunteers throughout 2013.
In addition to the commendable volunteer efforts, there were many sponsors this year who made so many of these projects come to life including The Register Citizen, Torrington Savings Bank, Patterson Oil, Marola Motors, Torrington Downtown Partners, Commercial Sewing, Burns, Brooks & McNeil, Litchfield Bancorp, Toce’s, Santoro’s, and each of the playbill advertisers who support the arts in our community.
Looking back on these accomplishments brings a sense of pride to the organization as well as a sense of the many possibilities the future holds in store.
As The Nutmeg Ballet gears up for the upcoming audition season, spring registration at Torrington School of Ballet, two upcoming performances including Impact at the Warner Theatre March 22-23 and in the blink-of-an-eye, Graduation performances in May, there is no time to rest on their laurels.
Growing the organization and providing opportunities to so many young people takes non-stop hard work and dedication. If last year’s successes are any indication of The Nutmeg Ballet’s future, undoubtedly, 2014 should be a banner year.
If you would like to learn more about The Nutmeg Ballet’s training program and upcoming summer intensive program audition tour, or if your young child is ready to take some pre-school or ballet appreciation classes at the Torrington School of Ballet, please visit nutmegballet.org online or call 860.482.4413.
Clearly, there is a renewed spirit of making things happen and moving the organization forward that has fueled so much excitement this past year.