Lifting Lives Through Dance

ECC hosts screening of New York Theatre Ballet’s LIFT

Edgecombe Community College is giving the public a rare, in-depth look at the New York Theatre Ballet’s signature outreach initiative. A special screening of the documentary, “LIFT,” will take place Thursday, Jan. 22, in the McIntyre Auditorium on ECC’s Tarboro campus. The film explores the ballet’s mission and its profound impact on young people, highlighting how the program introduces ballet to homeless and underserved youth.

Misty Copeland, executive producer and principal advisor for the documentary, notes that “LIFT” reveals the transformative power of dance. “The beauty and complexity in each of the stories told show that hope, resilience and dance can be the lifeblood that saves lives,” says Copeland.

This same life-changing training will be offered to more than 900 local students on March 4, followed by a free New York Theatre Ballet performance on March 5. Attendees of the “LIFT” screening may also donate to ECC. Contributions will support the ballet troupe by helping cover expenses for the student workshop and the New York Theatre Ballet performance.

A reception will begin at 6 p.m., with the documentary screening starting at 6:35 p.m.

“After seeing ‘LIFT,’ I believe you will see exactly why this mission is so vital for Edgecombe County,” says Doneva Chavis, ECC’s cultural arts director. For more information, contact Chavis at (252) 618-6618.