The Show Must Go Online!

Adelaide Faccio, age 14, dances the role of Clara in this year’s Zoom “Nutcracker” at the Swarthmore Ballet Theatre. Photo: Lauren Lanigan

The doors to Swarthmore Ballet Theatre’s Park Avenue home have been closed to the public since March of this year, due to COVID-19. But Artistic Director Lori Ardis — along with her daughter, choreographer Amber Flynn, and former Pennsylvania Ballet Principal Dancer William DeGregory — have continued teaching ballet to students, with live accompaniment, using Zoom. 

“Since our lobby was too small to social-distance, and our windows cannot open, we opted to do Zoom,” Ardis explains. 

All but a few dancers at the school chose to continue their training online. “Mrs. Ardis’s grace, strength and dedication in creating an atmosphere for the kids to perform and practice ballet has been such a comfort,” says Maresa Mahoney, a parent of two young dancers. 

This December, Ardis and Flynn are staging Swarthmore’s first Zoom ballet performance. Ardis has been putting on an annual production of “The Nutcracker” in Swarthmore every holiday season for 33 years. This year, the tradition will continue virtually.

“Our dancers love to perform, so we gave them this chance,” Ardis explains. 

“I am excited to still be able to dance in ‘The Nutcracker’ this year,” says 11-year-old ballet student Maisie Sentivan, who is participating in it for the sixth year. “I love learning new dance moves, but it was harder rehearsing online. I can’t wait until we can go back in person,” she says.

Rehearsing and filming from home can be a challenge. “The most difficult thing is the size of the area that the dancers have for class and rehearsals,” Ardis explains. 

Alexander Voelker, age 14, dances the role of the Prince. Photo courtesy of Swarthmore Ballet Theatre

But the student dancers are enthusiastic.

“It was quite the adjustment at first, but I think we all rose to the occasion,” says 14-year-old Adelaide Faccio, who plays Clara. “Finding the right camera angle was a bit difficult, but I think we got it in the end!”

Swarthmore residents have a lot of good things to say about the ballet company, many of whose past students have gone on to professional dance careers. “As a parent, it is reassuring to know that SBT is so affordable,” says parent Heidi Sentivan. She notes that the company offers scholarships and provides all of the costumes for the performances.

“All three of my young daughters have enjoyed the experience of choosing from free dance wear,” says parent Jenny Dolan. “Lori has also kindly guided me — mother to mother — as I figure out how to support my daughters in the rigorous yet rewarding experience of learning ballet.”

Audrey Foster, age 14, as the Russian Dancer. Photo courtesy of Swarthmore Ballet Theatre

“Children are encouraged to compete with themselves rather than with others,” adds Maresa Mahoney. “‘Do better than your best’ is the school motto. And they can carry that into other areas of life too.”

Friends and fans of Swarthmore Ballet Theatre can make a tax-deductible donation to Lori Ardis Ballet Company, a 501(c)(3) organization. Mail your check to: Swarthmore Ballet Theatre, 118 Park Ave., Swarthmore, PA 19081. Learn more.

Carrie Piccard is the mother of several Swarthmore Ballet Theatre dancers.