Executive Counselor Ray Wieczorek Makes Presentation

Southern NH Youth Ballet Honored by Governor Lynch
Artistic Director Presented with Governor's Citation by Ray Wieczorek

Southern New Hampshire Youth Ballet, a non-profit organization in Bedford, held its annual Valentine Gala Saturday, February 7, 2009 at the Manchester Country Club.  It was a fabulous night!  There was delicious food, lovely music, fabulous entertainment, and exciting auction items.  There were approximately 95 people in attendance, including New Hampshire author and illustrator Tracy Kane, Michael Forde (a dance professional from New York) and the Honorable Raymond J. Wieczorek, Executive Counselor.  On behalf of Governor John Lynch, Executive Counselor Wieczorek presented SNHYB's artistic director Patricia Lavoie with an official Citation, extending his personal best wishes, stating, "On behalf of the citizens of New Hampshire, we commend you for your commitment to your state and community."  "It was wonderful to have Mr. Wieczorek at our event," stated Patricia Lavoie.  "It means so much to us to have the recognition and support of New Hampshire officials and policy-makers, " added Lavoie.  Mr. Weiczorek also acknowledged the dedication of SNHYB dancers.  In his presentation, he pointed out that their successes are what ultimately determine the organization's overall success.  The dancers in this year's company hail from the following local communities:  Manchester, Bedford, Merrimack, Londonderry, Litchfield, Amherst, Mont Vernon, Milford, Concord, Deerfield, Hooksett, Pepperell and Westford, MA.

Many local businesses donated items for the silent and live auction, including:  Angela's Pasta and Cheese Shop, Anheuser-Busch Merrimack Brewery, Applebee's Bedford, Belisle Granite Countertops, Commercial Street Fishery, Federal Hill Company, Guardian Mortgage, Hollis Grain & Hardware, Ira Lexus of Manchester, Jacques Flower Shop, Jared's, Kerner's Car Wash, LaBelle Winery, Loth Lorien Farm, Manchester Wolves Arena Football, Merrimack Flower Shop & Greenhouse, Monarchs Care Foundation, Morningstar Designs, NH Fisher Cats, Palace Theatre Trust, Preference Styling Salon, Shen Tao Wellness Consulting, T-Bones Restaurant Bedford, The Dana Center, The Loft Salon & Day Spa, You're Fired! and Innovations Salon & Spa.  There were also many items generously donated by individuals and other organizations, including Marriot Courtyard, the New England Patriots and Boston Ballet.  The event raised almost $4000 which will be used to help pay the costs for Southern NH Youth Ballet dancers to attend the Regional Dance America Northeast Festival in Harrisburg, PA in May of this year.  SNHYB is a performing member of RDA Northeast, a nation-wide organization of pre-professional dance companies.  SNHYB was honored to be evaluated in May 2005 in Harrisburg.  The dancers had to take a ballet class and present two original works of choreography to all the current directors of RDA Northeast companies.  "Our affiliation with RDA is a fabulous opportunity for our dancers--not only are they exposed to the national dance community, they are seen by choreographers and directors from around the country.  The opportunities for any talented young dancer are limitless with this kind of exposure," stated Patricia Lavoie.  SNHYB is the first, and still the only, company from New Hampshire to be invited into this prestigious organization.

Southern NH Youth Ballet would like to thank all the area businesses and families that donated to the Valentine Gala, including desserts from Michelle's Gourmet Pastries & Deli and Edible Arrangements and photography services from AnnMarie Lidman Photography.

Regional Dance America

Regional Dance America (RDA) is a national association of ballet companies founded in 1988 to promote the artistic development of dance companies throughout the United States.  The main objectives of RDA are: 1) to promote its mission on a national level; 2) to define and maintain the artistic standards of quality to which the regional organizations are held; 3) to provide uniformity of major policies amongst the five regions; 4) to provide access to high quality dance for all Americans.  The impact of Regional Dance America is far-reaching: 92 companies; over 2000 dancers from across the nation; over 1.5 million people in 481 counties attend RDA member performances.  More importantly, out of the regional movement comes a steady stream of dance professionals.  They are enriching our nation and the world.  They will continue to do so in the years ahead.  They are the future.