The project makes dance and music performances accessible to seniors over 65, with limited financial means and/or special mobility needs through community and organizational partnerships and individual sponsorship.

The first production of this series, Carrabba Dance Theatre will present a post-holiday version of “The Nutcracker” and the Gift of Sharing… on January 30, 2005, at the Northshore Senior Center, 10201 E. Riverside Dr. Bothell, WA. Performances are at 4 pm and 7 pm.

Featured will be many local students and guest dancers, who are trained to perform select pieces from this great classic. The original choreography is by Artistic Director of Carrabba Dance Theatre, Marco Carrabba.

The part of The Narrator will be played by George Shangrow, former host of Classic KING-FM, “Live By George” nightly radio program featuring live, in-studio classical music performances.

Mr. Shan grow is the Conductor and Music Director of Orchestra Seattle, has appeared as guest conductor with such notables as Seattle Symphony, Rudolf Nureyev and friends, Northwest Chamber Orchestra and Sapporo Japan Symphony.

Mr. Carrabba has danced with Stuttgart, Hamburg and Dutch National Ballet Companies. He performed for, and was presented to, Queen Elizabeth; was a principal dancer with Pacific Northwest Ballet; and has been a featured soloist with The Boston Ballet and San Francisco Ballet.

The Second performance, in a series of community outreach projects, is set for April 2005, with a guest appearance with Orchestra Seattle. Carrabba Dance Theatre will perform original choreography to Milhud’s “Creation of the World.

This project is made possible through a collaborative effort between the Carrabba Dance Theatre and Simple Gifts: The John J. and Georgiana Theodore Foundation.

For information about this outreach project, or to become a community partner, contact Carrabba Dance Theatre

Ballet Master / Choreographer - Marco Carrabba He began his training in Seattle under the direction of local dance legend Dorothy Fisher. Mr. Carrabba received a scholarship to the Joffrey School, School of American Ballet and is a graduate of the North Carolina School of the Arts. He first debuted with the Stuttgart Ballet at age 19, then the Hamburg Ballet and Dutch National Ballet. He has performed for and was presented to Queen Elizabeth. He toured with the famous Rudolf Nureyev, and partnered many world famous ballerinas.

As a principle with Pacific Northwest Ballet, his performances have included Ziegfried in “Swan Lake”, the Cavalier in “The Nutcracker,” and Prince Albrecht in “Giselle.” He also performed as soloist with the San Francisco Ballet and the Boston Ballet and has danced in numerous theatres and stages of Europe as well as Japan. With nearly 30 years experience he is now choreographing and educating dancers through workshops, classes and private instruction at Cameo/Carrabba Dance, Inc. to develop the confidence and talents of those who enjoy dance as well as that of future professionals.

Marco also has an extensive theater background, was the lead dancer in "My Fair Lady" production in Kentucky, numerous performances at the 5th Avenue Theatre including: West Side Story & Kismet, and recently at UW Meany Theater with Orchestra Seattle.