The Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company is driven by the opportunity to share our joy of dance with people at all stages in their life. Our company is dedicated to promoting excellence in the art of ballet through performances, education, and community outreach. We want to offer inclusive, relevant, and accessible movement opportunities to all members of our community. As a local nonprofit, the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company has been creating magic on the stage since 1985.

Our founder and artistic director, Shari True, has created an annual production of The Nutcracker that the Lincoln community has come to cherish each holiday season. For the past 37 years, the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company has performed The Nutcracker with professional guest artists, beautiful hand-made costumes, and a live orchestra. Our production includes nearly 200 local dancers ranging in age from 6 to 18. 

Cast members who perform in our show year after year tell us that performing in The Nutcracker is the highlight of their year. Often high school students write college essays about the life lessons they have learned performing on the Lied stage. A recent LMBC alumnus told us, "Dance taught me to think creatively and to collaborate with others to accomplish a goal. It has also given me confidence and a strong work ethic, both of which have helped me succeed in the business world."

We believe strongly in the positive impact that the performing arts have on young people and communities. Dance education opportunities support physical, social, and emotional development, to improve the educational, community, and wellness outcomes. Research has proven that arts programming promotes increased skills in math and reading, creativity, social development, personality adjustment, and positive feelings of self-worth. Students involved in dance programs are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement and live healthy lifestyles.

Our dancers, gymnasts, and audience members will be forever grateful for the opportunity to perform The Nutcracker this December. If awarded a grant in The Big Give, presented by UBT, we will utilize the funds to cover a portion of this year's operating expenses and replace five of our outdated stage scenery drops. We will seek ways to cut expenses in any way possible to afford updated scenery drops. However, due to the nature of our organization, it is difficult to cut any significant amounts as we already operate on a very limited budget. Most of our manpower is provided by our board and a team of dedicated volunteers. This event is truly a community undertaking and this funding will benefit the dancers, the volunteers, and all who participate in this annual community event. We would be so grateful to have the support of Union Bank and the community this year through The Big Give.