A Night Before Christmas - at the Museum!

Nigel Burgoine and David Jex discuss their new ballet (scenario by Nigel, music by David) which receives its world premiere from Ballet Theatre of Toledo on November 10th and 11th at the Valentine Theatre. Inspired by artworks in the Toledo Museum of Art, the ballet follows the adventures of a young girl as follows: It’s the holiday season and Florence and her mother are visiting the museum. Florence discovers a gift bag on a bench with a statue of Degas’ "Little Dancer Aged Fourteen.” She tries to find the owner when suddenly something magical happens; the statue comes to life and dances for her! The Degas Dancer takes Florence on a fantasy journey throughout the museum as she is entertained by masterpieces from around the world. One by one the sculptures and paintings fade away and Florence finds herself alone, holding the Degas statue. A little girl appears and is searching for the treasured gift she lost. Florence kindly returns the statue, and she begins dreaming of her next adventure in the museum!