For Immediate Release
November 20, 2003

Contact:
Linda Miele
207.856.1663
Beryl Wolfe
(207) 883-6083
E-mail: msballet@maine.rr.com
Web Site: http://www.mainestateballet.org

Seven USM students will dance featured roles in upcoming performances of the Maine State Ballet's Nutcracker at Merrill Auditorium in Portland. Pictured left to right are Lesley Flores, Nordica Holtan, Michael Hamilton, Lacey Michaud, Courtney True, and, in the center, Kirby Johnson. Meghan Strout is missing from the photograph.

Senior Lacey Michaud, an art education major, will dance as a demi-soloist in the Waltz of the Flowers segment and as Chocolate from Spain. Meghan Strout, a senior majoring in communications, and Lesley Flores, a sophomore with a focus in media studies, will both dance the parts of the Columbine Doll and as Tea from China. Nordica Holtan, a junior majoring in communications, will dance the lead as Marzipan Shepherdess. Freshman Kirby Johnson and Courtney True will perform multiple parts, dancing with the company corps in Snowflakes and the Waltz of the Flowers. Freshman Michael Hamilton dances the Tin Soldier and the Russian solo as well as a lead in Coffee from Arabia.

Maine State Ballet's Nutcracker will be performed on two weekends, November 29 & 30 and December 5, 6 & 7, for a total of seven performances at Merrill Auditorium. Tickets are on sale through Porttix, (207) 842-0800 or www.porttix.com USM students will receive a ten percent discount with student identification. There is a six ticket limit on individual sales. For more information, call (207) 856-1662 or visit www.mainestateballet.org

Maine State Ballet, established in 1986, has 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 encourage students to become active, intelligent young artists who will emerge as artistic leaders in their communities.

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