In conjunction with Hartford Performs, Connecticut Ballet presents a 75-minute condensed version of a full-length ballet or mixed bill suitable for presentation to elementary and middle school students. Tickets are available to Hartford Public Schools and other educational institutions at a heavily subsidized cost of $5.00-$10.00 per student (chaperones are free). School districts cover the cost of bus tran-sportation. Artistic Director Brett Raphael provides the narration and oversees a stimulating question-and-answer session immediately following the performance.

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Here's what one educator wrote about her student's experience attending 'Sleeping Beauty' at The Bushnell:

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Although some students had preconceived notions of what ballet was like, none of them were prepared for the experience they had. We had a lively discussion after the performance of the costumes, the scenery, the dancers, the different ballet shoes, and even learning the difference between 'brava,' 'bravo,' and 'brave' as a means of shouting approval to the dancers. The kids were enthralled with the performance, and loved everything about it!

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​TAKE A FIELD TRIP TO SEE 'THE NUTCRACKER'!

 

Connecticut Ballet will present our special NUTCRACKER student performance at The Bushnell on Friday, December 20 from 10:00-11:15am (75 minutes with narration). Dismissal by 11:30am enables students to be back in time for the lunch waves!

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Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky's classic score comes to life in Brett Raphael's spectacular version with narration. Students will be given a behind-the-scenes look at how the scenery and costumes and lighting contribute to a theatrical production and help move the narrative along.

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Presented in cooperation with Hartford Performs, tickets are available to educators and Hartford Public School groups at a subsidized rate of $5-$10/student. For info, email us at ctballet@ix.netcom.com.

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​For public, private, or parochial school groups other than Hartford public schools, you are also welcome to enjoy the 'Share the Magic' series. Contact us directly to book a student field trip (10 or more students) @$10/ticket. We require a minimum of one chaperone per 10 students and we provide one complimentary chaperone ticket per group. Please email ctballet@ix.netcom.com or call 860-293-1039.

 

Share the Magic programs align with the following common core and arts standards:

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English Language Arts Standards

Grade 2: Reading Standards for Literature: Key Ideas and Details:
•  Ask and answer such questions as who, what, where, when, why, and how to demonstrate understanding of key details in a text.
•  Describe how characters in a story respond to major events and challenges.

 

Grade 3: Writing Standards: Text Types and Purposes:
•  Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons.
•  Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information.

Arts Standards

Demonstrate appropriate audience behavior in watching dance performances; discuss their opinions about the dance with their peers in a supportive and constructive way.

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Grade 2: Dance: Content Standard 7: Make Connections:

• Respond to a dance using another art form; explain the connections between the dance and their response to it (for example, making a painting about a dance and describing the connections.

Grades 3 & 4: Dance: Content Standard 4: 

• Analytical and Evaluative Thinking Skills: Demonstrate appropriate audience behavior in watching dance performances; discuss their opinions about the dance with their peers in a supportive and constructive way.

Grades 3 & 4: Dance: Content Standard 3:

• Understand how dance creates and communicates meaning: Observe and discuss how dance is different from other forms of human movement (such as sports, everyday gestures).

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