Do you have dreams of performing in “The Nutcracker”? Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) and Southwest Ballet Theatre have entered into a unique partnership that could just make those dreams come true.
EMCC students and local high school students ages 16 and older are invited to apply to a dance class that begins on Oct. 25 and culminates in a “Nutcracker” performance with Southwest Ballet Theatre in December. Students who are accepted will receive a scholarship to pay for the one-credit course.
Students don’t need a lot of dance experience to apply but should have some.
“They just need to have some experience, so beginning dance students are welcome,” said Professor Tim Butterfield who is teaching the class.
Applications are due by Oct. 15 and the first rehearsal is Oct. 30. The class, rehearsals, and performance will all take place at the Performing Arts Center on campus, 3000 N. Dysart Road, Avondale.
EMCC and Southwest Ballet Theatre have been in partnership since 2015 and both organizations jointly present productions at EMCC’s Performing Arts Center each spring and fall semester. In 2019, the partnership created the Southwest Ballet Theatre Fine & Performing Arts Scholarship, which awards $2,000 to one EMCC student every spring.
Are you interested in a career in dance performance, choreography, teaching, and fitness instruction? Consider EMCC’s Associate in Arts, Fine Arts, Emphasis in Dance, which provides the first two years of a four-year curriculum. To learn more about EMCC’s Dance Program, go to https://www.estrellamountain.edu/degrees-certificates/dance.