PARTNERSHIPS
DEVELOPING RELATIONSHIPS IN THE COMMUNITY
In order to maximize opportunities for our young dancers and production staff, Hope Garden Children's Ballet Theatre searches for like-minded organizations, that not only provide the opportunity, but show these students the importance of community and participation. For these reasons we have so far established working relationships with the below local businesses and organizations.
Essence Studios, Dance & Performing Arts
Poolesville, MD
Hope Garden Children's Ballet Theatre (HGCBT) would not exist without Essence Studios, and it's predecessor, Hope Garden Ballet Academy. HGCBT was formed in 2008 specifically to support Hope Garden Ballet Academy, and that goal and focus shifted to Essence Studios when the Academy shifted ownership in 2022.
Currently the majority of the dancers for HGCBT performances are students with Essence Studios, and most of HGCBT's rehearsals are at Essence Studios. Essence Studios and HGCBT also have Claire Jones, the owner of Essence, as the artistic director. While Essence Studios is a for-profit business, Ms. Jones' work for HGCBT is done entirely as a volunteer, as is the case with all HGCBT Board Members.
Riverworks Arts Center
Poolesville, MD
Riverworks is the newest art center in the D.C. area, and arguably the most ambitious. They are working hard to make our small Maryland town a hub for art classes, performances, exhibitions, and cultural programs—while transforming small-town Poolesville into an arts destination for visitors from the D.C. region and beyond.
In support of HGCBT's mission to provide quality dance performance to Northwestern Montgomery County, Riverworks recently co-presented our Spring 2023 presentation "Leaping Off the Canvas," performed at the outdoor Whalen Commons in Poolesville. SEE MORE ABOUT THIS PERFORMANCE
On June 10,2023, Riverworks hosted HGCBT at their first annual "A Taste of Riverworks" festival, which celebrated all the region's arts. HGCBT kicked off the afternoon with a mini performance, featuring four exciting and diverse dances.
The Riverworks Outdoor Stage
The festival was the debut of the new sprung floor on Riverworks' outdoor stage, the only outdoor floor of it's kind in the county. The building of the stage and floor was a collaborative effort between Riverworks and HGCBT. The stage was built by Riverworks, which also funded the building of the sprung floor by HGCBT. A sprung floor, which is designed to provide cushion and bounce to dancers, is essential to protect muscle, bone and ligaments.
Some of the funding for the sprung floor was raised in the Poolesville community through the "Tall and Small Ball" dance, a Riverworks event that was held in early 2023.
Hope Garden Children's Ballet Theatre
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