Q: I recently learned about an upcoming performance at the Mansell House by the Atlanta Dance Company in Alpharetta. I’m not familiar with this dance company. Would you tell me about it and the event?
A: You are inquiring about the Mother Goose tea and ballet fundraiser to be held at the Mansell House and Gardens on Nov. 7. The performance will be hosted by the Atlanta Dance Company, the nonprofit leg of The Dancer’s Studio in Alpharetta.
The Atlanta Dance Company was founded in May by Sarah Lubatkin, also the owner and artistic director of the Dancer’s Studio/Backstage. The dance company complements the studio dancers with performance opportunities and heightened training.
“I started dancing there when I was three and grew up under Ms. Jonnie. Jonnie Kelley was the original owner and director,” she said. “It was such a magical place to be able to learn and grow. There was something about her direction that truly made you feel like you could be the best person of yourself, how to conduct yourself in an appropriate manner, but still staying true to who you are as a person.”
A variety of styles of dance are offered from ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, modern, hip hop and acrobatics for ages 3 up through adult (18).
“I love that they get to kind of cross-train in all these different styles.” “ ... instead of being stuck in one thing they find one that they really excel in and that’s so awesome to see them find their moment to shine,” said Lubatkin.
Dancers from the studio can audition to become a member of the Atlanta Dance Company starting at age 8. They train weekly at The Dancer’s Studio in multiple styles of dance and rehearse on weekends to prepare for their performances, the founder said. The company will host two performances each season.
The Mother Goose Tea and Ballet will include a short performance (scenes from the dance company’s upcoming show Dec. 17-18 at Milton High School) from Babes in Toyland.
“It’s like a meet-and-greet for the characters. I have quickly learned that children actually don’t know all the classic Mother Goose rhythms and so to introduce the younger ones is probably very beneficial before coming to see the show,” said the director.
The tea is an outdoors and interactive event. While attendees wait for the performance to begin, they will enjoy snacks and tea or lemonade.
Following the performance will be a few themed craft activities (decorating picture frames, ballet hair ties and beaded bracelets/necklaces). Photos can be taken with the characters like Jack and Jill, Three Men in a Tub and Little Miss Muffet. Finishing up with story time from Mother Goose. The event should take 60-90 minutes and is appropriate for all ages.
Tea party attire: Fancy, farm animals, princess dresses or dress up clothes.
Time slots for the tea are: 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 4 p.m. Tickets (and additional information) for both the tea and upcoming show in December can be purchased through http://adc.booktix.com/
Address: Mansell House and Gardens, 1835 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta (in Wills Park)
New to Atlanta or simply have a question about this place we call home? Email your request to atlactualfact@gmail.com
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