Fairy Tales on Stage, feat. “Giselle”
Performed May 9, 2026
JCC Bender of Greater Washington, in Rockville MD
Essence Studios and HGCBT brought back their annual Spring theme of Fairy Tales to the stage, exploring new music, new fables, and energizing the audience with fun and entertaining dances. Then Act II showcased the exquisite acting, precision, and synchronization necessary in the portrayal of “Giselle,” impacting an awe inspired and mesmerized audience. The story is mature, complicated, and technically demanding, but the students of Essence Studios were phenomenal in their dedication to the art and each other. Albrecht (Sava Brizhik) and Giselle (Kate Borman) brought a level of ability and polished partnering rarely seen from kids their age. Myrtha (Gabriella Stradley) was fierce and commanding, and her two soloists (Elizabeth Tchorni and Kendall Zimmerman) exuded the sadness and bitterness of their characters to perfection, leading a very young but extremely focused and talented corps.
A Winter’s Eve
Performed Dec 6, 2025
JCC Bender of Greater Washington, in Rockville MD
“It’s magic,” came the quiet conclusion from a young boy in the audience, his whisper carrying more weight than any review. For Hope Garden Children’s Ballet Theatre (HGCBT), that simple reaction captures the heart of A Winter’s Eve—a production that has become the annual seasonal production for the studio, with 2025 marking its 3rd year of touching audiences of all ages. This show expands the more typical celebrations of the winter season through the presentation of a myriad of global traditions.
Produced by the Poolesville-based nonprofit Hope Garden Children’s Ballet Theatre (HGCBT) and performed by children and teens training at Essence Studios, A Winter’s Eve remains a two-act journey designed for families. The format builds on the previous year’s warmly-received production, which blended storytelling, cultural exploration, and classical ballet into an accessible holiday experience for audiences of all ages.
Act I invited the audience to join a child, played by the gifted Lily Petrella, as she is led by her magical snowman, HGCBT Artistic Director Claire Jones, on an exploration of winter celebrations from various parts of the world.
Act II transitions into the familiar sparkle of The Nutcracker, focusing on the elegance and discipline of classical ballet. Audiences saw featured performances by a graceful Flower Queen (Alarica DeLongchamp), a gallant Cavalier (Sava Brizhik), and precise, yet ethereal Sugar Plum Fairies (matinee: Kate Borman; evening: Kendall Zimmerman). Ms. Jones has described A Winter’s Eve as a production built to welcome newcomers while still delighting seasoned ballet audiences—a balance that has helped the show become a seasonal tradition for many local families.
BLOSSOMING
From Strong Roots Come Beautiful Blooms
Performed June 3 and 5, 2022
Whalen Commons in Poolesville, Maryland
Essence Studios and Hope Garden Children’s Ballet Theatre presented their Spring, 2022 performance to a large and enthusiastic audience at Poolesville’s Whalen Commons. The dancers presented a variety of colorful pieces, from classical solos to contemporary works, including the Black Swan Grand Pas from “Swan Lake,” featuring guest dancer Roland Jones of American Repertory Ballet, a former Hope Garden student.
Click here to view the event program.
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NOEL NOTES
Excerpts from The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol
Performed December 10, 2022
BlackRock Center for the Arts, Germantown, Maryland
Hope Garden Children’s Ballet Theatre and Essence Studios once again collaborated to present a wonderful holiday production to audiences in upper Montgomery County, Maryland, featuring many of the most popular pieces from the Nutcracker Suite, as well as a condensed version of HGCBT’s popular production of “A Christmas Carol.” The audiences of both sold out shows were dazzled by the talented dancers ranging from 5 to 17 years of age, with a handful of local professionals and mentors, who brought these stories to life!
Click here to view the program.
