New Jersey Stage Issue 61 | Page 96

Lewis Carroll’s Poems are woven into the fabric of this beloved story, which provides a unique dance experience.” First published in 1865 by Eng- lish photographer and math- ematician Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, under the pseudonym Lewis Carroll, “Alice in Wonder- land” tells the famous story of the curious little girl in the blue dress. It explores Alice’s journey through Wonderland, which be- gan as a silly tale Dodgson told the Lidell’s younger daughter Al- ice and her sibling during a boat ride. The novel, which recently celebrated its 150th anniversary, has been translated into several languages and has never been out of print. This performance includes 10 live musicians, nine professional dancers, fifteen young actors and singers, thirty student dancers, the talents of associate choreog- rapher Jolene Baldini, set design NJ STAGE - ISSUE 61 by Fred Sorrentino, and lighting design by Erik Herskowitz. The Axelrod Contemporary Bal- let Theater was established in the fall of 2017 under the lead- ership of President Elise Feld- man and Artistic Director and Choreographer Gabriel Chajnik. The mission of the Axelrod Con- temporary Ballet Theater is to in- spire an appreciation for dance— in both dancers and dance enthusiasts—through artistic excellence, innovative choreog- raphy, and exhilarating perfor- mances. As part of the organi- zation’s educational mandate, Chajnik and his team of dance professionals inspire and teach young dancers to express their talent, explore their creative spir- it, and expand their artistic hori- zons. This training is designed to underscore the joy of dance and prepare young dancers for the challenges of a career in danc- ing or a life of loving dance.  w INDEX NEXT ARTICLE 96