Justice Studios Releases Full Length Nutcracker Documentary "Finding Clara" Just in Time for the Holidays

NEW ALBANY, Ohio, Dec. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Just in time for the holidays, Justice, the #1 destination for all things girls, is thrilled to unveil Justice Studios' newest piece of content, Finding Clara. Finding Clara is an engaging full-length documentary that was adapted from the super popular web series featured on the Justice YouTube channel. In partnership with Elevate Pictures, Justice was given exclusive access to go behind-the-scenes of BalletMet's production of The Nutcracker to see it through the eyes of four hard-working young dancers.

"Creating Finding Clara from start to finish was truly a magical experience as we were able to showcase some spectacular young girls who truly embody our Live Justice values in every way," said Lece Lohr, President of Justice. "We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to put a new twist on a beloved holiday favorite that we hope families will enjoy together this holiday season."

About the Dancers
Ballet is a beautiful artform that requires extensive training, talent and perseverance to succeed. The film follows the four dancers selected for the lead role as they work to define their own unique version of Clara. Meet the Clara dancers:

"Teaming up with BalletMet and Justice to create this documentary and web-series was an unbelievable experience," said Nathan Bielski of Elevate Pictures and director of the film. "The wonderful dancers, directors, producers and all who are a part of BalletMet, are incredibly dedicated and inspiring and Finding Clara was the result of how they inspired this story to come to life."

About Elevate Pictures
Elevate Pictures is a transmedia company building branded content and entertainment that thrives on great multi-platform storytelling, they sit at the intersection of film, advertising, and technology. They currently work with a number of Fortune 500 brands and have multiple entertainment properties spanning across digital, film, print and gaming.

About BalletMet
Renowned for its versatility and innovative repertory, BalletMet ranks among the nation's 20 largest ballet companies.

Since its inception in 1978, BalletMet has made the commission and performance of new works a core organizational priority, with more than 150 World Premieres and hundreds of Company Premieres performed throughout its history. BalletMet stages 60 to 70 performances each year at home and on tour. In the past, the company toured 28 U.S. states and internationally to Russia, Poland, Egypt, Spain and Canada.

BalletMet's Academy has also been recognized as an institution of local and national stature. It offers hundreds of classes to roughly 1,700 students, ages 3 to 95, each year. Students in our Intensive, Boys and Trainee Programs gain invaluable training and experience, including the opportunity to dance on stage alongside the company's professional dancers.

Media Contacts:
Kelly Kaufman
Praytell for Justice
[email protected]
(773) 531-7737

Traci Graziani
Justice Retail
[email protected]

Jeremy Hughes
Elevate Pictures
[email protected]

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

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A video accompanying this announcement is available at

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The BalletMet performance of the Nutcracker is acclaimed across the ballet community as one of the top performances each year and a must see for audiences year after year. And the indepth and compelling documentary follows the young dancers through the competitive audition process, months of challenging rehearsals as well as the exciting moment the girls find out who landed the lead role of Clara. The film allows watchers to join the dancers along on their journey and to feel and experience the process as if they were right alongside them.

Alaina is 12 years old and this is her first time in the spotlight in the leading role of Clara! While a bit nervous at first, with the help of her fellow Claras, she shows us how to be brave, overcome obstacles and grow in confidence. And when it's her moment to shine, everyone is rooting her on!
Lauren is 10 years old and is also playing Clara for the first time. She has a strong sense of self determination as she pushes through the grueling auditions and rehearsals. With the help of her supportive family and her new friendships with the other Claras, she keeps a smile on her face and triumphs through challenges with resilience.
Molly is 12 years old and is playing Clara for a second time. Her infectious smile, laugh and positive attitude shines through even during the toughest rehearsals. She is able to balance dance and school with grace, and is the epitome of a true friend and team player as she cheers on the other Claras.
Isabelle is 13 years old and is a veteran as she is playing Clara for the third time. With the experience under her belt and the choreography down, she is able to really focus in on developing her character. And as the oldest, most experienced Clara, she becomes a mentor to the other girls. Isabelle is a true role model, with both the talent and heart to steal the spotlight.

The Filming Process
The creation of the 87-minute documentary resulted from extensive editing of more than 200 hours of raw footage filmed over the course of four months. Capturing all the moments from auditions to rehearsals to the girls hanging out getting ice cream, provided endless content that allowed Justice and Elevate Pictures to tell a heartfelt story that viewers will embrace from start to finish. The documentary beautifully spotlights the amazing talent of the BalletMet dancers and staff in a honest and transparent way that has never been done before.

Finding Clara is now available on VOD (iTunes, Google Play and Amazon) for $9.99 purchase or rental (prices will vary) and would make a great holiday gift. Justice Studios will be announcing new projects throughout next year. To find out more or shop the latest clothing styles, visit Justice stores nationwide or online at shopjustice.com. You can also download the Live Justice app for exclusive content, freebies and more.

About Justice
Justice is the #1 destination for all things tween girl. Based in New Albany, Ohio, Justice currently operates more than 860 stores in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, South America, Asia and the Middle East. Justice is part of ascena retail group, inc., which owns Ann Taylor, LOFT, Lou & Grey, Lane Bryant, Catherines, dressbarn and maurices. Visit Justice at shopjustice.com or on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube.

About ascena retail group, inc.
ascena retail group, inc. (NASDAQ:ASNA) is a leading national specialty retailer offering apparel, shoes, and accessories for women under the Premium Fashion segment (Ann Taylor, LOFT, and Lou & Grey), Value Fashion segment (maurices and dressbarn), Plus Fashion segment (Lane Bryant, Catherines and Cacique), and for tween girls under the Kids Fashion segment (Justice). ascena retail group, inc. operates ecommerce websites and approximately 4,600 stores throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.