Ellison Ballet Holds Fundraising Event for Victims of Hurricane Sandy, 12/7 & 8

The Ellison Ballet, EdWard Ellison, founder/director, will present its Winter Showcase 2012, an evening of romantic and classical ballet masterworks performed by the ensemble of 35 students of Ellison's Professional Training Program, along with guests from other major NYC dance organizations performing both classical and contemporary works. Performances will benefit two Staten Island families especially hard-hit by Hurricane Sandy: Colleen Cericola, whose home was totally destroyed, and Patricia Dresch, whose husband and 13-year old daughter perished in the storm. Two performances tonight, December 7 and the 8th at 8 PM at MMAC , 248 West 60th Street.

A Professional Ballet School with a heart, both on and off stage, the Ellison Ballet has changed this already scheduled season to a fundraising event for the victims of Hurricane Sandy, with all dancers and guest artists volunteering their performances. One hundred per cent of the proceeds will go to helping two Staten Island families who were devastated by the Hurricane: The December 7th evening will benefit Colleen Cericola, a Special Education Teacher for 25 years whose home, which she shared with her two children, and possessions were completely destroyed. December 8th proceeds will be donated to Patricia Dresch, whose husband George and 13-year old daughter Angela perished in the hurricane. Ellison Ballet Instructor Erin Forrest became involved with the two families while volunteering to clean and salvage remains of the Dresch home in Tottenville.

The list of guest performers for this very special season continues to grow. Gonzalo Garcia, principal dancer with New York City Ballet, will appear, and Steps Repertory Ensemble will perform Knead, by Benoit-Swan Pouffer, artistic director of Cedar Lake Ensemble. There will also be performances by The Juilliard School Dance Department, the Gelsey Kirkland Academy, 14-year old prodigy Aran Bell, and the Manhattan Youth Ballet in Of Beauty and Light, choreographed by Jason Ambrose. The Ellison Ballet will appear in excerpts from Giselle and La Bayadere, staged by EdWard Ellison and Erin Forrest, and Bournonville's Le Conservatoire, staged and coached by Karina Elver, former member of the Royal Danish Ballet. More announcements to follow.

Tickets are $35 at the door or $30 in advance. Students and senior citizens can get tickets for $30 at the door or $25 in advance.