The story of the LITTLE MATCHGIRL is a poignant tale of a child struggling to survive in a world that offers her little hope. Puffin West is again proudly supporting Columbus Dance Theatre’s (14th) annual production that will be danced at the Fritsche Theatre at Otterbein University.
Last year we sat in the back of the auditorium during the special matinee that allowed school children from throughout the metro Columbus area to see this ballet. The students mostly in the 4th grade entered with so much excitement and anticipation, many never having seen true ballet theatre before. During the performance they were enthralled and wide-eyed. When we left the theatre we learned that our audience of 100’s of children were safe but that over 20 children had been slaughtered point-blank in Sandy Hook CT.
We dedicate out GRANT this year to those children’s memories. Tim Veach, the Artistic Director and Choreographer of MATCHGIRL has commented “Art can stop us in our tracks.” This statement embodies the emotional tale created by the CDT dancers who asks us to through their artistry to “cherish all our children; protect them, feed them, keep them warm and housed, and love them.” Again we must say “Never, never again.”
