Children to perform “Nutcracker” ballet at Wharton

Published: Nov. 16, 2012

Children's Miracle Network guest dancers from Sparrow have rehearsed for weeks for their performance of "The Nutcracker" at the Wharton Center Nov. 23-25.

Children who have received pediatric services at Sparrow will take center stage as part of the Children's Ballet Theatre (CBT) of Michigan's performance of "The Nutcracker" at the MSU Wharton Center on Nov. 23-25.

These children with physical limitations have benefited from a variety of pediatric services through Sparrow, which has in turn enabled them to perform in activities such as this ballet production.

Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 23, and Saturday, Nov. 24, and 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 25. Tickets are on sale online at www.cbtdance.org or by phoning 1.800.Wharton.

"The Nutcracker" will feature nine guest dancers representing the Children's Miracle Network (CMN).

"It takes courage for anyone to perform in front of hundreds of audience members, as the CMN guest dancers will do by the end of Thanksgiving weekend. Please come give them support by being there and cheering for them," said Nadine Methner, a speech pathologist for Sparrow's Pediatric Rehabilitation Services and coordinator for CBT's partnership with CMN.

CBT company members are also fundraising for CMN. Look for the CMN donation site in the Wharton Center lobby to make your donation.

Sparrow is the first hospital in mid-Michigan to offer a dedicated children's unit and is home to the region's only full-service pediatric emergency department. As the region's CMN hospital, Sparrow is able to provide families the most advanced technology and treatment options in pediatric and neonatal care.