Nutmeg’s Dance and Theatre Co. is proud to present its 23rd annual spring production, Think Pink, a show inspired by Nutmeg alumni, Kelly Severance.
Severance graduated from Granby Memorial High School and Nutmeg’s in 2020 before attending University of Connecticut where she majored in business management with a concentration in entrepreneurship, and minored in philosophy and marketing and data analytics. During the spring of her senior year, Severance received news no one—especially not a 22-year-old—expects to hear: she had triple negative breast cancer.
In an instant, everything changed.
But in true Kelly Severance fashion, she met that moment with grace, courage, and a kind of Elle Woods–esque positivity and determination that continues to inspire everyone around her. Even before her diagnosis, Severance had planned to pursue cosmetology, with the goal of becoming a hairstylist. Through her experience, she deepened that purpose—hoping to support others undergoing cancer treatment by helping them navigate hair loss, wigs and regrowth with confidence and care.
That is who she is—always thinking of others, always finding a way to bring light, even in the darkest moments.
Throughout her treatment, Severance remained a presence at Nutmeg’s—dancing, practicing yoga, and building strength through Pilates and cardio dance. The example she set for dancers and community is something that can’t fully be captured in words. On Sept. 30, 2024, Severance rang the bell—cancer free!
When it came time to choose a theme for this year’s show, Artistic Director Meg Fenton Funk could only see one thing: pink.
Think Pink is a celebration of the strength of women, of resilience and of lifting one another up—just as Severance has always done. It is also a reminder to Nutmeg dancers that art has power. Through dance they create joy—and that joy can be shared to support something far bigger than themselves.
This year, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation, an organization that played a meaningful role in Severance’s journey.
We would also like to recognize two other incredible women within our extended studio family who are facing, or have faced, this same diagnosis—one a devoted mother of twins in our community, and another a beloved member of our Sunflower Yoga family. To have three women so close to our studio impacted by triple negative breast cancer is both sobering and motivating. This year, we dance for them, too.
Think Pink will be held at Suffield High School on: Friday, May 22 at 7 p.m., Saturday, May 23 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. The community is invited for an inspiring weekend of dance—celebrating strength, spreading joy and supporting an important cause. Tickets and additional information can be found at NutmegsDance.com
If you are unable to attend the performance, please consider making a tax-deductible donation directly to the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation at tnbcday.org
Submitted by Meg Fenton Funk