Photo by Joseph Mazzara If you saw the dogs onstage during our new production of The Nutcracker last season, you might not be surprised to learn that the company loves animals. While the dancers are off contract this summer, it means a lot more time for work and play outside the studio— especially when it comes to our pets! Many BTM dancers, myself included, are devoted pet owners. Read on to learn a little about Pippin, Peanut, Pepper, Lucky, Loki, another Loki, and more! BB

Another year, another Conservatory Showcase! Between our classes at Maryland Hall, the BTM Annex, and our Grasonville location, the BTM Conservatory has been growing over the last few years. That's never clearer than at the Conservatory performance, where every student has the opportunity to take the stage. At the end of each school year, it is a privilege to watch our young students perform and to reflect on how far they've come. Enjoying a Show Full of Smiles Some students

Somewhere along the way, every dancer of BTM was a young person who took a dance class, went to a performance, or saw a ballet video and said, "I want to do that." Although there are no guarantees that a given pre-pro dancer will find a job, it takes that initial spark to sustain them through the challenging path of becoming a dancer.

Photo by John Welch That's a wrap on Season 47! After our performances of La Esmeralda and an exciting Arts Integration performance with AACPS students, we at Ballet Theatre of Maryland drew our mainstage season to a close. It's been an exciting season: after the return of the company- and audience-favorite Giselle in October, this season was all about sharing something new. Our Artistic Director Nicole Kelsch staged her all-new Nutcracker, which infused the familiar holiday