Subject
title
Certificate of Recognition for the Rockville Civic Ballet 50th Anniversary
end
Department
Recreation & Parks
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Mayor and Council present a Certificate of Recognition to the Rockville Civic Ballet for their service in presenting quality ballet performances for the Rockville community and allowing residents to participate in an outstanding ballet company.
Discussion
For half a century, the Rockville Civic Ballet (RCB) has been a vibrant part of our community, bringing the elegance and discipline of ballet to enthusiasts of all ages. The RCB, with its diverse cast of dancers and dedicated volunteers, has been pivotal in nurturing a love for ballet through performances like the beloved holiday tradition, "The Nutcracker."
Background:
In 1974, Claudia Mangan founded the RCB with a vision to make ballet accessible to all within Rockville. Her partnership with the City of Rockville led to the creation of the ballet company that has since flourished. Today, RCB boasts over 100 child, teen, and adult dancers and is supported by 30 volunteers. Known for an annual production of "The Nutcracker," the company also performs original adaptations of Shakespeare, literary classics, and fairy tales.
RCB is an integral part of the City's Department of Recreation and Parks, working in collaboration to offer ballet classes. In 2023, more than 900 participants took part in the City's ballet programs. The students get an opportunity to showcase their talent in the City’s annual student performance, held every June. This event is a platform for emerging dancers to shine alongside their experienced peers and teachers.
About Friends of the Rockville Civic Ballet (FRCB):
The FRCB operates similarly to a PTA or Booster Club, focusing on promoting and supporting the RCB. This non-profit organization is driven by a passion to share the art of ballet with everyone, regardless of age, and to inspire an enduring appreciation for the arts in the young. It supports RCB's performances and educational programs through volunteering and fundraising efforts, ensuring the longevity of the company's rich repertoire.
The FRCB's objectives include enriching our community through ballet, offering scholarships for dance education, providing dance attire to students in need, sourcing educational materials for instructors, and maintaining the company's costumes, sets, and props.
In 2018, FRCB received the Maryland Recreation and Parks Association “Community Volunteer Organization” award for outstanding service to the Rockville arts and dance community.
Celebration:
In honor of the Rockville Civic Ballet's 50th anniversary, we propose that Mayor and Council present a Certificate of Recognition to commend their remarkable contribution to the arts and the Rockville community. RCB and FRCB exemplify the spirit of cultural enrichment and inclusivity through their dedication to performance, education, and community engagement.
Mayor and Council History
This is the first time the Mayor and Council have offered a Certificate of Recognition to the Rockville Civic Ballet.