Free Public Performances Saturday By Malenkee Ballet Company

The Malenkee Ballet Repertoire Company will be performing Magic Key and Etudes at The Homesteads at Newtown, 166 Mount Pleasant Road, on Saturday, September 22, at 3:30 pm. The Homesteads cordially invites the public to attend the free performance at the recently opened assisted living facility.

Malenkee has been performing in Fairfield County since 1980 under artistic director Marsha Ismailoff Mark, who retired from teaching earlier this year. Miss Jennifer Johnston, who has studied under the direction of Marsha Mark, will be carrying on in tradition as the new artist director for the innovative ballet company. Miss Johnston recently opened the Newtown Centre of Classical Ballet located at 113 Church Hill Road in Sandy Hook Center.

Malenkee has presented educational dance programs sponsored by PTAs as well as private schools, and its diversified program has been very well received by students, faculty and administrators for many years. Malenkee has also participated in performances for the Family Life Center as part of the Newtown Holiday Festival, convalescent homes, senior centers, and benefit performances for Special Olympics and Southbury Training School.

Members of the company have also participated in major productions such as The Nutcracker, Coppelia and actress Susan St James’ narration of Peter and the Wolf at The Warner Theater in Torrington.

Malenkee will also be offering two performances as part of this year’s Newtown Holiday Festival on Sunday, December 2, at Edmond Town Hall’s theater. Additionally, the troupe already has a performance scheduled at Anna H. Rockwell School in Bethel on March 19, 2002.

Malenkee company members for 2001-2002 are Jennifer Aguis, Mercedes Ball, Meagan Brooks, Kelsey Cantore, Christine Collins, Patricia Culligan, Sasha Geerken, Angela Lam, Nikia McFadden, Sarah Menichelli, Elizabeth Naphen, Gillian Omalyev, Tory Senete, Teresa Taylor, Jennifer Tichon and Katie Winkler.

There will be limited seating for the Homesteads performance. Reservations for Saturday afternoon’s performance at The Homesteads can be made by contacting Kerry Cardinal at 426-8118. To request a Malenkee brochure, contact Jennifer Johnston at 426-9299.