Organization

Dance Prism, founded in 1982 by Scott Ranagan and Mary Demaso, is a classically focused ensemble that includes in its standard repertoire both such narrative ballets as The Nutcracker, Alice in Wonderland, and Cinderella, and original neoclassical works. In the past several years, Dance Prism has premiered The Magic of Merlin, a ballet derived from the legends of King Arthur and his mentor, the fabulous wizard Merlin; the traditional comic ballet Coppélia; Scott Ranagan’s Snow White; and mixed repertory programs that have included Hansel and Gretel, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, and the Russian tale of The Firebird. The 2010-11 season began with the iconic romantic ballet Giselle and ended with the wistful nostalgia and joyful adventures of Peter Pan; the past year included a condensed version of Swan Lake appropriate for families and the Arabian Nights tale of Aladdin. The primary purpose of the company is to bring the spectrum of ballet into the communities of New England. Its touring schedule regularly includes appearances in such venues as Worcester’s Mechanics Hall, the Collins Center in Andover, and the Jackson Arts Center at Bristol Community College in Fall River. The company also provides performances, lecture demonstrations, and workshops for a number of private and public schools and retirement communities throughout the region. Dance Prism is composed of approximately 25 professional dancers and apprentices, supplemented for larger productions such as The Nutcracker by serious ballet students who audition annually for the company. Dance Prism’s casts include dancers based throughout the northeast region and eastern seaboard. Dance Prism is a performance organization only.