Lunch and Ballet:A Good Combination

October Luncheon A Gem

Decorations by Pam D

The brain trust

Over 60 members of the local community and another 24 members of Peoples gathered on October 10 for the monthly community luncheon.  The tables had been set and decorated through the efforts and thoughts of Pam D with an appropriate October theme.

Dick plays for the early crowd

The guests began arriving early so they could grab a cup of coffee, talk with friends and listen to the strains of Dick M on his electric keyboard. 

Nell the director

Nell, the director of the  Portland School of Ballet, and her entourage of 4 female and 2 male dancers prepared to present the program.  They dropped some of their costumes in the parlor when they arrived and went over to the vestry to practice.

Nell shows the step

When 11:30 arrived most of the guests that would be coming were in Ellis Hall waiting for the entertainment. Marlene took the microphone and made announcements and invitations to this event and others that would be forthcoming. She also introduced Nell and gave a short summation of her involvement in ballet which is extensive.

Nell leads the troupe

Nell then proceeded to introduce her troupe and together they showed how they would normally warm up individually as well as together. Before the program was over, Nell announced their upcoming performances which include one this month at the Westbrook Performing Arts Center

The crowd for the program and lunch

Grace

Attentive audience

Excerpts from the Nut Cracker included one of the male dancers played the role of The Nutcracker, followed by a young lady doing the Russian dance and then another young lady danced as the Sugar Plum Fairy. They offered to come back in the Spring and enthrall us with pieces from A Midsummer Night’s Dream. All of the crowd oohed and ahhed at that possibility.

Male dancer before

Male dancer in costume

Russian dance

We thank the cast and Nell

Sugar Plum Fairy

The program was followed by a great meal prepared by Chef Brad with dessert prepared by  Rosemary. Meatloaf, green beans and potato were the main items in the meal with apple crisp the dessert offering.

Waiting to serve