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HOPE GARDEN CHILDREN'S BALLET THEATRE PERFORMS "A WINTER'S EVE"

The Hope Garden Children's Ballet Theatre (HGCBT) delighted audiences on December 7th with its enchanting production of A Winter's Eve. Held at the Kreeger Auditorium at the Bender JCC in Rockville, this two-performance event celebrated the holiday season with grace, artistry, and cultural diversity.

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In Act I, inspired by Raymond Briggs' The Snowman, dancers portrayed a young girl and her snowman journeying through winter celebrations. The act highlighted global cultural traditions, including African American Kwanzaa, Indian Diwali, and an English Christmas party, brought to life through stunning choreography and dazzling costumes. This act seamlessly blended storytelling with vibrant artistry, leaving audiences captivated by its imaginative retelling of winter traditions.

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Act II transported the audience to the magical Land of the Sweets in The Nutcracker. Essence Studios' talented dancers shone brightly in roles such as Gabriella Stradley as Chocolate Soloist, Elizabeth Tchorni as Coffee Soloist, Alarica DeLongchamp and Kendall Zimmerman as Flower Queens, Sava Brizhik as the Cavalier, Leah Santizo as Clara, and Kate Borman as the Sugar Plum Fairy. Each dancer brought elegance and passion to their performances, making Tchaikovsky's classic a true highlight of the evening.

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Artistic Director Claire Jones remarked on the production as a celebration of both the holiday season and the rich diversity of the community. The show succeeded in entertaining, educating, and inspiring audiences of all ages while spreading holiday cheer.

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Supported by the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County, A Winter's Eve was a testament to HGCBT's dedication to artistic excellence and cultural appreciation.

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WATCH THE TRAILER

MEET OUR GUEST CHOREOGRAPHERS

HGCBT feels it is essential to make our productions significant and familiar to our entire community. In order to provide accurate representations of a variety of holiday celebrations, we have partnered with four guest choreographers to work with our dancers to provide dances that are entertaining and authentic. We hope you enjoy their work!

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Jalia Kosi Inman

A native of Washington D.C, Jalia began her dance training at the age of 5. Studying at various studios in the D.C area such as Dance Place, The Davis Center, and The Dance Exchange. Throughout Jalia's elementary and middle school education she continued to hone in on her dance abilities by participating in activities such as cheerleading, musicals, and arts related projects. Coming from a family of artists and West African dancers and drummers, Jalia was drawn to West African dance at an early age, and at the age of 12 began her West African dance training under the tutelage of Lesina Martin and Nkenge Cunningham. Soon after she joined the West African dance and drum performance company, Farafina Kan, run by Mahiri Keita Edwards and Lesina Martin.

 

In addition to her dance training, Jalia has participated in various outreach and community service initiatives in her community. Jalia spent her freshman year at the Duke Ellington School of Arts in Washington D.C. as a vocal music major. But her heart was always in dance, so she auditioned and was accepted into the dance department, where she studied until her graduation in 2013.

 

In addition to Jalia's work in dance she has been an active participant in various African centered programs and organizations. After Jalia graduated she moved to New York City where she lived for 6 years studying, teaching, and dancing. She has had the opportunity to work with Asase Yaa West African dance Company, Forces of Nature, Dishi Bem dance Group, Voices of Congo Square (New Orleans), and Harambee African Dance Company. While in New York, Jalia taught dance at the Harlem Childrens Zone, Ifetayo Cultural Arts Academy, as well as several dance studios and programs. Jalia has also had the opportunity to teach in various schools in the Washington, D.C. area, such as Viva School of Dance, Maryland Youth Ballet, and The Princess Mhoon Dance Institute. A passionate teacher and artist, Jalia hopes to spread West African culture through dance, music, and history, as well as help youth and adults alike gain a valuable understanding of West African dance as a discipline.

 

Jalia can currently be found dancing, teaching, and performing throughout the United States and developing her organization Nson Works, LLC, an organization that is dedicated to the upliftment and education of all people, with a specific interest in the African-American community. 

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Sefali Raja

Sefali is a multi-talented individual with a deep passion for dance, mainly folk dances. She has an eclectic background in various dance forms, including some training in the Indian classical dance form of Kathak.

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One of her notable achievements is founding the "Sahiyar Garba group," a dance troupe dedicated to performing different folk dances at various events. In this group, Sefali was the choreographer and project coordinator, ensuring the performances were well-executed and organized.

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Under Sefali's guidance, the Sahiyar Garba group has performed at various prestigious venues, including the Black Rock Art Center for Diwali Celebrations. Their performances received recognition and praise, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of folk dances. She has lent her expertise as a choreographer for community Diwali and Holi functions and international nights at her local school and other Indian cultural events. In addition to her passion for dance, Sefali has pursued a successful career in Information Technology (IT) for the past 20 years. This demonstrates her ability to balance her artistic pursuits with a demanding professional life. Sefali resides in Montgomery County with her family, where she continues to contribute to her community as a dancer, choreographer, and judge for Garba events. Her multifaceted talents and dedication to the arts and IT exemplify her commitment to personal growth and community engagement.

Hope Garden Children's Ballet Theatre

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