Children with disabilities perform in spring ballet

Published: May 5, 2011

LANSING, Mich. -- Several children who receive pediatric services at Sparrow will take the stage alongside accomplished dancers as part of the Children's Ballet Theatre (CBT) of Michigan's spring production at Holt High School, May 6-8.

The production is part of a unique partnership that enables children with physical limitations to practice and perform dance while helping to raise funds for pediatric services at Sparrow through the Children's Miracle Network (CMN) campaign.

"For any child to perform in front of an audience takes tremendous courage," said Nadine Methner, a speech pathologist for Sparrow's Pediatric Rehabilitation Services. "You can imagine how much courage it takes for a child who has physical limitations to perform in front of an audience alongside accomplished dancers and seasoned professionals."

This year's CBT annual spring performance features a two-part show. The first act features recognizable moments in time; some happy, some sad. That is followed by Gaite Parisienne, a one-act ballet full of energy, set in a Paris bistro in the late 1930's. Performances are 7 p.m. Friday, May 6; 7 p.m. Saturday, May 7; and 2 p.m. Sunday, May 8. Holt High School is located at 5885 West Holt Road.

"It warms your heart to see the look on one of these children's faces when the curtain rises, and the applause begins," Methner said. "We really hope people will support these kids and help support Sparrow pediatric services through the CMN campaign."

Tickets: $12 adult and $10 student. To purchase tickets or for more information, go to cbtdance.org, call 517.482.2553 or e-mail company@cbtdance.org.