Maine State Ballet's Fundraising Event to Feature Silent Auction, Food, Music and Dancing

PORTLAND, Maine, February 5, 2003--The Maine State Ballet recently announced plans for a fund-raising event, entitled "Dancing Through Time", to be held at the Eastland Park Hotel Ballroom on Saturday, March 8, at 6:30 pm. The event will feature a silent auction, a live auction, abundant hors d'oeuvres, a pasta bar, and dancing and music featuring the Tony Boffa Band.

WGME's Doug Rafferty will emcee the event and auctioneer duties will be handled by WCSH's Bill Green.

Tickets to the black-tie optional event cost $45 per person, and can be purchased by visiting the Maine State Ballet's Web site at www.mainestateballet.org, or by contacting Ann Pollak at (207) 829-4139.

People interested in donating items to the auction or helping with the event are encouraged to contact Debra Aperfine at (207) 797-2116 or via e-mail at Gritsdaa@aol.com.

Proceeds from the event will help the Maine State Ballet continue to provide world class training and performances that allow talented Maine artists to remain in the state. Presently, Maine State Ballet offers two outstanding productions annually. The company hopes to increase this number, allowing our young dancers more opportunities to showcase their many talents.

Maine State Ballet, established in 1986, has fast become the leading professional dance company in the State of Maine. Working together, Maine State Ballet and the Maine State School for the Performing Arts encourages students to become active, intelligent young artists who will emerge as artistic leaders in their communities. Maine State Ballet embraces the highest artistic standards in the challenge to create a home for talented artists from the State of Maine.

In addition to its renown production of The Nutcracker, Maine State Ballet also has presented five spectacular full-length ballets: A Midsummer Night's Dream, Cinderella, Coppélia, Don Quixote, Alice in Wonderland, and Sleeping Beauty. The Ballet has also produced charming one-act productions such as Can-Can Parisienne, and Peter and the Wolf. Maine State Ballet Artistic Director Linda MacArthur Miele also has choreographed several contemporary pieces in the Balanchine style. Ms. Miele, a former student of George Balanchine and a member of the New York City Ballet, continues to develop Maine State Ballet's repertoire to include new full length productions and smaller pieces that showcase the company's growing number of talented danumme.

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