Colorado Conservatory of Dance presents A Sensory-Friendly Nutcracker

Colorado Conservatory of Dance presents A Sensory-Friendly Nutcracker with international guest stars Adiarys Almeida and Joseph Gatti People with sensory, social and learning disabilities can fully participate in a cherished holiday tradition with their families. Denver - December 16 at 6:30pm, Colorado Conservatory of Dance (CCD), formerly the School of Ballet Nouveau Colorado, presents a special version of the traditional, family-friendly holiday favorite, The Nutcracker, for people with sensory needs. Colorado Conservatory of Dance is in its sixth year of offering Ballet 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. CCD’s production of The Nutcracker boasts gorgeous sets and costumes, stunning choreography, and professional guest artists from around the world. For this rare opportunity, however, 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 will be adjusted to a moderate, consistent level to avoid unpredictable loud sounds. • House lights will be left up to avoid total darkness. • Guests of Honor will be 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 will be limited to no more than half the house (300 seats) to ensure each audience member has adequate room. Audience members also have the opportunity to meet the Nutcracker Prince, Clara, and many other characters from the ballet after the show for autographs and photos to complete the magical experience. CCD’s 2016 production of The Nutcracker runs December 10, 11, 17, and 18. This year, CCD will welcome international guest stars Adiarys Almeida and Joseph Gatti to dance the leading roles of Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier.