Support Keshet

As 2008 comes to a close, we have many exciting things to report!  Keshet’s 2007-2008 fiscal year ended on August 31 with a 21% increase in earned revenue as compared to the previous fiscal year; over $35,000 of community scholarships awarded; over 36,000 hours of volunteer time donated by 346 community volunteers; and over 7,500 individuals reached via Keshet programs and productions.

In addition to these wonderful accomplishments, Mayor Martin Chavez announced an exciting new partnership between Keshet Dance Company and the City of Albuquerque.  Keshet will become the resident dance company of the Historic KiMo Theatre, located in Downtown Albuquerque. Along with 4-5 new dance studios, locker rooms and office space, the backstage of the KiMo Theatre will be renovated, providing wheelchair-accessible dressing rooms, laundry facilities, a scene shop, a loading dock and a fly loft.  Keshet is slated to move into the new space in the summer of 2010. Acting as a catalyst for downtown revitalization and a vibrant new arts district, this new public/private partnership will allow Keshet to dramatically increase the number of individuals we reach throughout Albuquerque, the entire State of New Mexico, and eventually around the world.

And if that wasn’t enough, Keshet premiered its newest repertory work, Ani Ma’amin (Hebrew for “I Believe”), in Minneapolis, MN, in April, followed by performances in Albuquerque to rave reviews. Written comments by audience members included: “One of the best and most moving pieces of modern dance that I’ve ever seen.  This is what modern dance should all be about;” and,“The dance was fabulous…emotional, compelling and truly beautiful.  One of the most incredible dance performances I have ever seen in my life.” This powerful and thought-provoking modern dance piece explores the impact of the Holocaust on American Jews and is now booked for performances in Santa Fe, Albuquerque and Las Vegas, New Mexico, in March & April 2009.

In the meantime, we are proud to welcome three guest artists, Vladimir Conde Reche, Maggie Bergeron, and Tanya Call to the cast of our 12th Annual Nutcracker on the Rocks, playing the roles of Nutcracker, Rat Queen and Madame Drosselmeier, respectively. Performances are December 5-7, 2008, at the National Hispanic Cultural Center. Tickets can be purchased via ticketmaster.com or at the theater.

We are incredibly excited about our growth and accomplishments this year, and as we pursue our new plans we ask for your support.  Please consider making an end-of-year gift to Keshet Dance Company.  As a donor you will receive regular updates on Keshet productions, invitations to post-performance receptions and galas, as well as recognition in our playbills and on our website.

Thank you in advance for your generous support and best wishes in the New Year!

Sincerely,

Shira Greenberg
Founder & Artistic Director