BALLET | FROM Page 11 of their own home. The production’s creators were invited to the Czech Republic to record with Brno Philharmonic conductor Mikel Toms (currently the resident conductor of the National Orchestra of India), where “The Slutcracker” soundtrack was recorded live. The offi cial “Slutcracker Sweet” is also available on iTunes. “The Slutcracker” brings together ballet dancers, burlesque performers, “hula hoopers,” belly dancers and so many others with interests in fl amenco, hip hop, pole dancing, acting and myriad dance forms. The production is directed and choreographed by Vanessa White, who creates dance-theater stage shows, typically with a political/feminist bent and which embrace diversity across several spectra, including race, gender, genre and body type. THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2020 “The cast is diverse…We cast performers of diff erent shapes, sizes, colors, genders, abilities, ages [over 18] and talents,” said White. “Year to year, the show changes partly based on who gets cast in a show in a particular season. Sometimes inspiration for a new character, costume, or scene comes from an audition. I give a lot of wiggle room for performers to shape their characters – their diverse experiences bring a richness to both the storytelling Page 13 and the choreography that a director can’t deliver on their own.” “The show must go on,” said producer John Wenworth. “For performers and audiences alike, The Slutcracker has become a highly anticipated tradition. We look forward to it every year. The prospect of missing this heartwarming and silly sexiness, especially now, seems terrible. We are, however, thrilled to be able to off er our brand of holiday cheer, despite the curse of 2020, to both our returning fans and to a new international audience.” In an eff ort to maintain the vibrancy of the arts and dance through a unique lens with mass appeal, especially during a time when it is most needed, White also teaches a variety of integrative dance and movement classes, now available online, including but not limited to, ballet, burlesque, chair-dancing, and comprehensive stretching that uses elements of dance and yoga. SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS FOR A DIVORCED SPOUSE A divorced spouse must meet certain conditions in order to collect social security benefi ts based upon his or her ex-spouse’s work history. The divorced spouse must have been married for at least 10 years. The divorced spouse must not have remarried. If remarried, the divorced spouse will still be able to collect benefi ts based upon the ex-spouse’s work history so long as the second marriage ended by death, divorce or annulment. If the divorced spouse did remarry, he or she could collect under either ex-spouse’s work history so long as the second marriage also lasted at least 10 years, or if the second spouse died, that marriage lasted at least 9 months. Furthermore, a divorced spouse must be at least 62 years of age or older to collect. If the ex-spouse is deceased and the divorced spouse is at least 50 years of age, the divorced spouse can collect social security benefi ts if deemed disabled by the Social Security Administration. A divorced spouse can begin collecting benefits so long as the ex-spouse is at least 62 years of age and he or she has been divorced for at least two years. The divorced spouse is eligible to receive one half of the ex-spouse’s social security benefi ts. If, however, the ex-spouse dies, then the divorced spouse can then collect 100% of the ex-spouse’s full retirement benefi t. This benefit would not include any delayed retirement credits the ex-spouse may receive. The divorced spouse would only be able to receive a benefi t based upon the value of the ex-spouse’s benefi t at his or her full retirement age. Full retirement age for those born between 1943 and 1954 is 66 years old. From 1955 to 1960, full retirement age gradually increases. For those born in 1960 or later, full retirement age is 67. A person born prior to January 2, 1954 has the option of fi rst collecting based upon the ex-spouse’s work history while allowing his or her own benefi ts to grow until reaching age 70, and then switching over to his or her own work history. The law was recently changed so that a divorced spouse born after January 1, 1954 applying for social security benefi ts will automatically receive the highest benefi t for which he or she is entitled to, based upon either his or her own work history, or the work history of the ex-spouse. He or she no longer has the option of collecting benefi ts based upon the ex-spouse’s work history and then switching over to his or her own work history at age 70. Nothing uncomplicated about social security benefi ts when dealing with divorce.. Joseph D. Cataldo is an Estate Planning/Elder Law Attorney, Certifi ed Public Accountant, Certifi ed Financial Planner, AICPA Personal Financial Specialist and holds a Master’s Degree in Taxation. Space for Lease 3 Large Rooms, each with Large Walk-in Storage Area. or Aerobics Studio. Located at Route 1 South at Walnut Street. Rollerworld Plaza, Route 1 South, 425 Broadway, Saugus. Call Michelle at: 781-233-9507
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