Essence Studios collaborates twice a year with Hope Garden Children’s Ballet Theater (HGCBT), a local non-profit organization that provides the region’s youth with an opportunity to perform in professional level ballet performances. There is typically a performance in the spring, either a recital format or a story ballet, and in late fall a holiday performance featuring a range of material, from famous classics like The Nutcracker, to original works such as A Christmas Carol. Excerpts from some of these performances are available here.
Excerpts from HGCBT’s production of Ugly Duckling, an original ballet choreographed by Fran Ichijo. Performed outdoors at Whallen Commons in Poolesville, Maryland in June of 2021.
Excerpts from HGCBT’s annual production of A Christmas Carol, an original ballet choreographed by Fran Ichijo. Performed at F. Scott Fitzgerald Theater in Rockville, Maryland, and at Poolesville High School.
Excerpts from HGCBT’s Jungle Book, 2019, an original ballet choreographed by Fran Ichijo. Performed at the Poolesville High School Auditorium in Poolesville, Maryland.
Excerpts from HGCBT’s Pocahontas, and original ballet by choreographer Fran Ichijo. Performed June 2018 at Poolesville High School, Poolesville, Maryland.
Excerpts from HGCBT’s Alladin. Featuring original choreography by Fran Ichijo and an adaptation of Act 2 of Giselle. Performed at Poolesville High School, June 2016.
