HARTFORD, CT—Patrons can have the time of their lives at Kooza—and benefit the Village for Families and Children at the same time.
Cirque du Soleil has extended a special offer to Village friends, volunteers and donors to enjoy a benefit performance just for them on Thursday, April 24, 2008. Tickets, at a cost of $110 each, are limited. One hundred percent of the ticket price will go to support Village programs. As an added bonus, clients of the Village will receive a special opportunity to see a preview show for free.
The missions of the two organizations are compatible. Cirque founders see their outreach as part of Cirque’s emphasis on supporting youth at risk. Village programs—begun 200 years ago in the Hartford area—strengthen vulnerable families and children. Cirque du Soliel performs benefit shows for one or two selected social service agencies in every community where the company appears. Cirque du Soleil is involved in nearly 80 communities worldwide, in some 20 countries spanning five continents.
The Quebec-based international company uses acrobatics, music and clowning to “invoke the imagination, provoke the senses and evoke the emotions of people throughout the world,” say its founders. “We are constantly inventing with audacity.”
According to the Cirque web site, circus arts call for teamwork and a combination of strengths and talents—all elements that can help young people develop a sense of belonging, freedom, creativity, perseverance and discipline. Circus arts also offer young people the chance to open up, express themselves and make new links with a society that often excludes them.
In the tradition of circus artists forging links within communities where they perform, Cirque artists seek to create bonds, find partners, and, through their Cirque du Monde program, actually teach performing arts to youth at risk. Their social action also includes giving one percent of its annual revenues to social and cultural programs.
Tickets to benefit the Village are on sale now. Call 860-297-0558 to reserve today! |
