On June 3, 2023, Hope Garden Children's Ballet Theatre showcased the students of Essence Studios, Dance & Performing Arts, providing the Poolesville region with two wonderful opportunities to experience one art discipline, based on another!

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The theme and title, "Leaping Off the Canvas," took inspiration from a wide variety of famous artworks, including paintings by Degas, O'Keefe, Monet and others. The sixteen pieces of the first act were all original choreographic works by artistic director Claire Jones and Essence Studios staff members Lynn Schaeber, Justin Rustle, Anna Porch, Kerry Reed and Marshall Betz. Disciplines featured were ballet, jazz/contemporary, tap and even hip-hop!

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After a brief intermission, a short second act featured an original interpretation of act 2 of the classic "Coppelia," also choregraphed by Ms. Jones, in the spirit of the classic Bolshoi version. The fun story and crazy characters gave the dancers a wonderful chance to show the enthusiastic audience their acting and storytelling abilities.

 

The large audiences, full of new faces, made it clear that the northwest region of Montgomery County is enthusiastic for the performing arts, and that HGCBT will be be doing its part to fill that void for years to come!