One of our biggest goals as a not-for-profit is to ensure that our performances are accessible to all the children in our community. This year we started a new initiative where we invited thirteen children with special needs to join our Nutcracker performance, providing this wonderful group with the opportunity to perform in our professional production. All expenses from the program were covered by the Alma Dance Theater and we plan to have our initiative become an annual aspect of our production. This year we will partner with DuPage Children's Museum where children from the museum will be given the opportunity to participate in an Alma Dance Theater professional production. We have partnered with local girl scout troops over the past few years to provide reduced ticket prices to ensure that troops are able to attend our shows. We have also worked with local libraries and businesses to provide community free performances, free ballet lessons and unique experiences to everyone in our area, because we strive to involve many individuals from our community in our productions and to share the joy of dance with audiences of all ages. Alma Dance Theater has helped sponsor the YMCA’s The Y Run 5K in Glen Ellyn, promoting healthy community lifestyles. Our organization has also partnered with the café All Chocolate Kitchen in Geneva by performing at their World’s Largest Candy Cane Celebration that supports Children’s Oncology Services.