Virginia Regional Ballet will host its inaugural 5K fundraiser on July 16, raising money to have the Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra accompany the ballet’s December performances of “The Nutcracker.”
“We always want to have the orchestra,” said Adelle Carpenter, director of the ballet. “It just makes the production so much more special when you have live accompaniment.”
Carpenter said Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra hasn’t accompanied “Nutcracker” performances in some time, though the two organizations talked about it last year.
“We just couldn’t come up with the funds last year,” Carpenter said. “So we’re pushing hard this year.”
The total cost will exceed $30,000. Virginia Regional Ballet is nearing the needed amount, Carpenter said, with money raised last year directed toward this year’s endeavor.
However, $12,000 more is still needed, she said.
For the dancers to perform to live music, Carpenter said, “there’s nothing like it.”
“We have performed ‘The Nutcracker’ with this outstanding company in the past and most recently collaborated on our ‘Carnival of the Animals’ family concert in May,” Janna Hymes, Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra’s music director, said in an email.
“The true ballet form is a combination of dance, costumes, sets and live music,” Hymes said, “and to be able to present this production in our Williamsburg community is a wonderful and exciting opportunity.”
The 5K run/walk is a Colonial Road Runners Grand Prix event, A one-mile fun run/walk will precede the 5K. Carpenter said the course’s location in First Colony Neighborhood offers much shade.
For those who don’t want to run, Carpenter said Virginia Regional Ballet can accept donations.
The 2016 “Nutcracker” performances run Dec. 17 and 18 at Phi Beta Kappa Memorial Hall.
As for the 5K fundraiser, “we hope to do it every year,” Carpenter said.
Bridges can be reached by phone at 757-345-2342.
More information
When: Registration begins 6:45 a.m., July 16. Fun run begins at 7:30 a.m., 5K at 8 a.m.
Where: First Colony neighborhood, 125 Pasbehegh Drive
Cost: $30/5K, $10/fun run
Register online at dancevrb.com or at the event.
