Left to right:
Patricia Lavoie - Artistic Director
Wallace Pineault - Stage Manager
Tracy Kane - Author of The Fairy Houses Series
Melissa Desrosiers - Choreographer

A Magical World Unfolding

Southern NH Youth Ballet presented “Fairy Houses - The Ballet” at the Palace Theatre in Manchester, NH. March 2008. The ballet was based on the award-winning “Fairy Houses Series™” children’s series by New Hampshire author and illustrator, Tracy Kane

Every parent wants to expose their children to arts, culture, the wonder and beauty of nature and the great outdoors. Fairy Houses – The Ballet explores all of these. Tracy Kane’s Fairy Houses Series™ is all about the magic of nature and the wonderment of it all. The first book in the series, Fairy Houses, is a book of exploration, creativity and imagination all with the natural beauty of the outdoors.

The performance was set to music by Mendelssohn and Tchaikovsky is a collaborative work choreographed by Southern NH Youth Ballet Artistic Director, Patricia Lavoie and Artists in Residence, Melissa Desrosiers, Tracy DiJulia and Douglas Davis. The magical world of the great outdoors comes to life with fairies and friendly creatures as they explore their Fairy House made by Kristen and Erik with all things found in nature.

Southern NH Youth Ballet’s mission is to serve as a training ground for local youths and the pre-professional student by providing them with intensive training, individual coaching, performing opportunities, and the exposure to master classes from various guest artists. “We are always looking for great story lines and role models for young children and when I read local author, Tracy Kane’s series I knew we could create a wonderful and meaningful ballet out of the storyline that boys, girls, and their parents would enjoy,” stated Patricia Lavoie, artistic director for Southern NH Youth Ballet. “This has proven to be a great collaborative with our performing company and Tracy Kane, an author right here in NH,” added Lavoie.

Lead character roles were performed by: Kayley Little, a twelve-year old from Milford, NH performing as Kristen; Logan Hales, a ten-year old from Barnstead, NH performing the role of Erik; and Lea Apple from Manchester, NH performing the role of mother. “I am very proud of the cast and I know the audience will be very impressed with the quality of talent of these dancers,” stated Patricia Lavoie.

Kids and families flocked to the performance of this magical children’s tale with Southern NH Youth Ballet’s performance of “Fairy Houses – The Ballet.” This performance was appropriate for young toddlers, budding ballerinas and nature lovers of all ages. Author and illustrator, Tracy Kane was present at both performances to sign autographed books..

The show also included other short pieces; ‘Peanuts & Crackerjacks’ staged and choreographed by Artist in Residence Melissa Desrosiers. Peanuts & Crackerjacks’ is a light modern/theatrical piece about playing little league baseball – it is very light-hearted and fun.

About Southern New Hampshire Dance Theatre
Southern New Hampshire Dance Theater (SNHDT), located in Bedford, NH, was founded in September of 1996. The highly skilled faculty provides quality training and a sound education in dance as a performing art. While nurturing the development of each student's technical and artistic skills, SNHDT also emphasizes an understanding of the inherent traditions that lie behind each dance form. In addition to providing professional dance training, the underlying goal is to support the philosophy that dance, much like any art form, is an important part of society's cultural fabric and heritage. For more information visit www.snhdt.org.

Patricia Lavoie, Artistic Director and Founder of SNHDT
Patricia Lavoie, the school's founding director and a native of Bedford, NH, not only brings back to the community her established skills and reputation as a teacher, but also her knowledge and experience as a professional dancer. Former and current students of Ms. Lavoie have gone on to continue their training at several prestigious dance companies including: American Ballet Theater, The Boston Ballet, School of American Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, The Joffrey Ballet of Chicago, etc. Ms. Lavoie has danced professionally with the Connecticut Ballet, New Jersey Ballet and the Des Moines Ballet. Prior to her professional career, Ms. Lavoie received some of her early training at Point Park College and the Pennsylvania Ballet. She later continued her studies in New York City under scholarship with Robert Blankshine, Chris D'Amboise, Nannette Glushak, David Howard, Finis Jhung, John Prinz, Gerard Sibbrett and BoJan Spassoff. In addition to teaching extensively throughout the New Hampshire area, Ms. Lavoie has taught for the Des Moines Ballet School, the Newton Arts Center and Spectrum Dance Theater.