The new fall has just arrived and the North Shore Civic Ballet (NSCB) is already gearing up for its annual holiday online auction. This year, the nonprofit dance company celebrates its 48th season and invites the public to help nurture the next generation of dancers and performers in the North Shore area of ​​Massachusetts by supporting the auction. Proceeds from the auction support scholarships, new choreography, costumes, special educational projects, and other needed dance equipment and resources.

The online auction officially opens Friday, November 10 on Bidding for Good, www.biddingforgood.com/ballet, and continues through Friday, December 2. Before the launch date, items can only be previewed.

Donate items to auction

The NSCB is seeking donations of gift cards and gift vouchers representing a range of services and products, artwork, jewellery, handmade items and other apparel for the auction . Businesses and individuals are encouraged to donate gift certificates or gift cards for hotel stays, restaurants, spas, retail stores, auto detailing services, massages, photography, handicrafts, luxury services and more. Other suggestions are tickets to sporting events, concerts, shows, theaters, excursions, museums, and additional unique experiences. Unexpired and unused gift certificates are also welcome.

A contribution of an item to the auction benefits both the buyer and the donor. Retail establishments are gaining visibility. For example, artisans who make jewelry or wearable art also benefit from having their work featured on the auction site. All items for sale are professionally photographed and displayed on the site. A generous description of services and gift certificates appears online.

Drop off donations at the NSCB’s home at Marblehead School of Ballet, 115 Pleasant Street in Marblehead, Massachusetts. Prior to donating, donors are asked to call ahead at 781-631-6262 to schedule a pickup or drop-off.

“The North Shore Civic Ballet provides aspiring local dancers with training and the opportunity to learn works from the company’s repertoire, as well as create new pieces for them. Buyers from across the country place bids in the auction in search of new items to purchase during the holiday season.With the help of the public, North Shore Civic Ballet offers buyers many available experiences, services and products to bid on, which raise funds for training the next generation of dancers,” said Paula K. Shiff, Artistic Director, NSCB.

Volunteers wanted

Volunteers are invited to participate in the auction by contributing their time and talent. They can support the art of dance by procuring gift cards and certificates, developing and distributing flyers about the auction, and other activities. For more information about volunteer opportunities available with the auction and other ways to participate, contact the ballet company at 781-631-6262.

Make a financial donation

Financial contributions are also welcome and can be made directly to the ballet company. The NCSB is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and all contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

For more information about the North Shore Civic Ballet, the auction, and volunteer opportunities, call 781-631-6262 or visit the organization online at http://marbleheadschoolofballet.com/the-company/.

About the North Shore Civic Ballet Company

The North Shore Civic Ballet, a nonprofit dance company based at the Marblehead School of Ballet, has been providing performance and arts education to the Greater Boston community for 48 years. Artistic Director Paula K. Shiff and Associate Director Emeritus Florence C. Whipple founded the company in 1974.

The NSCB is home to an ever-growing group of talented dancers made up of both seasoned professionals and budding young dancers. Resident choreographer Ivan Korn has created several works for the ballet company.

For more information about NSCB, call 781-631-6262, email [email protected] or visit http://marbleheadschoolofballet.com/the-company/. Follow the organization on Facebook at http://on.fb.me/1wh3fnp, on Instagram at www.instagram.com/marblehead_school_of_ballet/ and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/MSB_ballet .

Photo credit: Peter A. Smith