Central Indiana Dance Ensemble (CIDE) has announced a partnership, via a grant from the Penrod Society, with Zionsville Community Schools, Special Projects Division, to host a free school showing of the timeless holiday classic, The Nutcracker, sponsored by Pathways Learning Academy and The Children’s Courtyard, at 10 a.m. on Dec. 1 at the Star Bank Performing Arts Center in Zionsville.
By giving this grant, The Penrod Society, known for its dedicated support of the arts and cultural enrichment, has recognized CIDE’s commitment to artistic excellence and community engagement. CIDE was honored to be one of over 70 arts organizations to receive funding at an awards breakfast this past spring.
“I am appreciative of the Penrod Society Grant Award ceremony,” Co-Artistic Director Michael Casey Clark said. “It was so encouraging to see all the hard-working arts organizations supported in our collective efforts to keep the arts a part of the fabric of central Indiana.”
CIDE hopes the free performance of The Nutcracker will fulfill a need in the community to provide access to the performing arts to school-aged children, and that for students who attend The Nutcracker, this performance will serve as the first of many experiences with the performing arts.
“Each year Central Indiana Dance Ensemble is pleased to invite students from local schools to attend a performance of The Nutcracker,” Friends of CIDE Co-Chair Brittny Hillbish said. “We believe there is great value in exposing children to the arts, and we are proud to extend this opportunity to schools at no cost. It is the first time many of these students have seen The Nutcracker, and experiencing their excitement with them is a great way to start our Nutcracker season.”
Clark added, “We greatly appreciate the ongoing support of the Penrod Society. This grant allows us to continue our (CIDE) mission of bringing ballet, dance, and theater to underserved parts of our community.”
On behalf of Artistic Directors, Board, and supporters, CIDE is grateful for the opportunity to work together with The Penrod Society, Zionsville Schools, and Star Performing Arts Center towards the shared goal to cultivate, encourage and develop public interest in support of the arts in central Indiana.
Schools wishing to take part can request more details by contacting Brittny Hillbish via email at info@cidedance.org. CIDE will stage four public shows of The Nutcracker from Dec. 1 to 3 at the Star Bank Performing Arts Center in Zionsville. Tickets are available at cidedance.org.