Ballet Theatre Company is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization located in West Hartford that has been serving Greater Hartford for 25 years. Since its founding in 1999, BTC has staged over 75 ballet productions, trained nearly 1,000 aspiring dancers, and made dance accessible to over 11,000 children in the state of CT through its Community Enrichment Program. 

On December 9, 2023, BTC will present its winter fundraiser, Sugar Plum Soiree, to the community. The event will feature a sit-down dinner, music, hot cholocate and candy bar, bringing in elements of the Nutcracker, "Land of the Sweets", activities for kids and a silent auction. 

BTC is seeking donations for a silent auction to raise additional money during the event. Our goal is to raise $10,000!  The fundraiser will directly support BTC’s sensory-friendly performance of The Nutcracker.

Sensory-friendly performances provide a safe, judgment-free environment for those with sensory or any other types of challenges that may make them feel uncomfortable at a “typical” public show. At a sensory-friendly ballet, the music and on-stage sounds are lowered, low-level lighting is maintained for the audience, and adjustments to the production are made to ensure everyone’s comfort.

These adjustments are essential because on-stage performances are inherently sensory-rich and may need to be adapted for those with sensory challenges. People who experience sensory overload are likely to feel uncomfortable during a performance. Minor adjustments, when warranted, can alleviate many of the expected stressors and create an atmosphere that is more enjoyable for all.  Most importantly, the other patrons and staff are more likely to understand if a patron with sensory challenges reacts out loud to the performance. Additionally, research has found that sensory-friendly events can benefit people with and without sensory sensitivities. The Sensory-Friendly ballet helps with equitable access to the arts and directly helps individuals enjoy the event at the moment. And it’s fun!