Pavilion Pearls share moving experience at Orlando Ballet

The Orlando Ballet and Ballet School put on a gem of a performance at the Jewish Pavilion Pearl Luncheon on Tuesday, Jan. 12. The intimate, one-of-a-kind performance was the brainchild of event sponsor, Geanne Share, who has served on the board of both organizations. Share thanked attendees for their support of the Pavilion and noted, "The Orlando Ballet has a fantastic performance for you today. Thank you to Robert Hill, artistic director, Orlando Ballet and Dierdre Miles Burger, director, Orlando Ballet School."

The 40 Pearl participants enjoyed a gourmet luncheon catered by Tina Marie of Bagel King followed by a private performance by students from the Orlando Ballet School, as well as principal dancers from the Orlando Ballet. "Today our audience was treated to a progression of dancers from young students all the way up to our professional company," noted Burger. "This performance was great exposure for the Orlando Ballet School and one more opportunity for our dancers to perform in front of an audience."

The first-place student dancers showcased their winning pieces from the Youth American Grand Prix ballet competition. There were examples of both contemporary and classic pieces performed by dancers aged 11, 14 and 16, some choreographed by Orlando Ballet principal dancers, Telmo Moreira and Anamarie McGinn. The Pavilion's Pearls were moved to spontaneous applause throughout the performance. A sneak peek of Orlando Ballet's spring performance of Don Quixote by principal dancers Chiaki Yasukawa and Arcadian Broad brought the house down with enthusiastic applause.

"We are so thankful to Geanne for creating a moving experience for our Pearl donors and sponsors at the Orlando Ballet. Events can be a lot of work for our office, but Geanne handled it from top to bottom," said Nancy Ludin, executive director of the Jewish Pavilion. "Also, thank you to everyone who helped with the special touches that added luster to our luncheon, from Eva Krzewinski of Pearls for Women and Temple Israel, who helped with the décor, to Faye Novick, who helped put it all together."

It is the mission of the Jewish Pavilion to enhance the lives of our elders in long-term care and their families by strengthening their connection to the community.