Angel Tree Project

Lawrence Knox is back to guest blog again about the dancers' recent angle tree project for the holidays.

For the holiday season, I was hoping to put together a donation for a shelter of some sort from the dancers.  However, after seeing the amount of children still left on one of the Salvation Army’s Angel Trees in the mall, I decided to bring the Angel Tree idea to Tulsa Ballet.  In the spirit of giving back, we were able to share the gift of Christmas with ten children who, without the Angel Tree, might not receive presents on Christmas morning.  

Special thanks to (from left to right) Sarah Jane Crespo, Ian Buchanan, Carolyn Trumbo, Chelsea Keefer, Alexandra Christian, Erin Pritchard, Amy Zvacek, Mrs. Georgia Snoke, and Diana Peters (not pictured) for helping the Angel Tree.

Below is a picture of some of the presents we gathered for these ten children.  We not only collected the essentials, such as clothing, but also items on the children’s wish list, including Barbie dolls, Hot Wheels, learning toys, and even a tricycle.  

If you have not already experienced helping a child through the Angel Tree organization, I encourage you to make this a holiday family tradition!  As many of the participating dancers found out, it is not only a great opportunity to help a child in need, it is fun to go back and shop through the toys in the children’s section!  Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 

No Place Like Hope for the Holidays

Every year Tulsa Ballet hosts Hope for the Holidays. Our very first Nutcracker performance is given to those who may need some extra holiday cheer this season. More than 2,000 clients from local service agencies enjoy an evening at the ballet complete with Christmas characters like the Nutcracker, a Christmas Mouse, Frosty the Snowman and Happy Feet. Cookies are provided as well as Nutcracker ornaments as souvenirs.

This is one of our favorite events as this is exactly what the arts is all about – enriching the community. Many of the families that come to Hope have never seen a ballet before, let alone step foot in a theater. The children especially were so excited to see the ballerinas and be swept away by this magical fairytale.

We offer thanks to The Barnett Family Foundation, The Robson Companies, The Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation, The Barnett Family Foundation and The Maxine and Jack Zarrow Foundation for presenting this special performance of Tulsa Ballet’s The Nutcracker. Refreshments are courtesy of QuickTrip convenience stores and Hiland Dairy. Also, we appreciate all of our volunteers from the Barre Society and Cygnet Society for all of their help during this special show. Without their generous support, we would not be able to offer this treat to so many Tulsans who need a little extra holiday magic this year.

The Nutcracker - Behind the Curtain

Tulsa Ballet's performances of The Nutcracker begin this weekend! Before you and your family head to the Tulsa PAC, learn more about the history of the Nutcracker and how Tulsa Ballet's beautiful production was created. Inspired by the city of Tulsa, this Nutcracker provides audiences with the exciting visuals of a Broadway show with the heartwarming story of a fairytale Christmas.

Tickets are selling fast! Performances December 10, 11, 17 and 18 at 2 p.m.; and December 16, 17, 22 and 23 at 7 p.m. at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. Call 918-749-6030 to reserve your seats now! Or visit us online at www.tulsaballet.org. See you at the ballet!