Last Dance? Ballet company hobbled by recession - New Haven Register

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By Pamela McLoughlin, Register Staff

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ORANGE â€" The New England Ballet Company has taken such a financial hit in this recession that officials at the nonprofit business are worried they could being doing a swan song rather than “Swan Lake” next year.

The ballet company, founded in 1990 by Co-Artistic Director Kenneth Hopkins, performs in the community and many schools. For the company’s 35 young dancers, it’s often their first live performance.

Hopkins said the exposure not only gets many children interested in the arts as audience members, but also can lead them to discover their own artistic gifts.



But budget cuts, including in state financing, grants, private donations and reduced ticket sales are hobbling the company. Some parents are having a hard time paying dues, and the “Nutcracker” program ad sales were slow even though prices were cut in half.

Hopkins in recent months has forgone a salary, hours of other employees have been cut, some formerly paid positions are being done with volunteer time and they’re scrambling to hold extra fund-raisers such as a pasta dinner and having the dancers sell chocolates.

The company’s managers are paying close attention to money-saving details, such as keeping the thermostat down. For the upcoming production of “Swan Lake,” they’ll be using some costumes from their “Romeo and Juliet” collection. Just paying rent for the studio at 200 Boston Post Road is now a challenge, Hopkins said. Visiting artistic director and choreographer Victor H. Trevino also has waived payment for his services.

It won’t be enough, however, said members of the company’s board of directors, many of whom either have children who dance or who have danced with the company.

“We feel like there’s a possibility of nothing next year, so we’re going into high gear,” said Lori Arsenault, secretary of the board and mom to a company ballerina, Shaina, 12. Arsenault said it would be “devastating” if the company folded. The company draws ballet dancers from across the state.

Company officials say they don’t usually ask the public for help, but that time has arrived. They even accept PayPal for donations on their Web site at www.newenglandballet.org.

They’re hoping that a corporate or other sponsor will come forward to help keep them going until the economy recovers. Every private donation adds up, board members said.

“There are people who don’t realize we have a near professional” ballet company here, said Co-Artistic Director Karen Goodman, who has agreed to roll over personal loans to the company.

The ballet company is scheduled to perform “Swan Lake” May 28 at the Parsons Government Center in Milford. Tickets are $25.

Stacy Kurata, vice president of the board and the organization’s grant writer, said they received $15,331 in grant money from the state last year â€" less than previously â€" and this year that dipped to $3,900.

Ticket sales for “The Nutcracker” were down by $15,000 and school bookings, another revenue source, are down because school budgets are hurting.

The company’s budget is about $100,000 per year. Kurata said she’ll seek out more grants, including in partnership with other nonprofits.

Participation in the company also has dropped, board members said, because cast members’ parents are limiting activities more and more because of money constraints.

“We’re either going to have to lay off (workers) or drastically cut the budget,” said Hopkins, a former professional ballet dancer. “I’ve become more determined than ever to do whatever it takes.”

Board President Marion Clare whose daughter flourished in the company and dances in college, said the company is different from any other in its level of professionalism.

Company Manager Diana Zitnay â€" who also is forgoing a paycheck â€" said being a part of the company is great for teaching time management and discipline.

After years in the company, her daughter is dancing professionally in New York. Zitnay said the company’s performances leave a lasting impression on thousands of school children.

Ballerina Shaina Arsenault, who dances five to six days a week and is an honors student, said she loves “the costumes, the makeup and the stage,” and said they’ll be doing extra performances to try to raise money.

Another ballerina, Katie Kurata, 12, said the dancers are mindful of the financial woes and the adults are working hard toward keeping the company going.

Contact Pamela McLoughlin at pmcloughlin@newhavenregister.com.

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