"The Velveteen Rabbit" is a timeless children's story about being loved and becoming "real," but at the heart of this beautiful story lies a much deeper meaning, one that transcends time.

The story speaks to the soul with lessons of courage and unconditional love.

The rabbit is teased and bullied by the other toys and the real rabbits, but through it all he believes. He believes in the boys' unconditional love and knows he is real even though he's only stuffed with sawdust. In spite of the tormenting and sadness he encounters, he becomes real, "because once you are real you can't be ugly, except to those who don't understand."

RisingPhoenix Dance Company and the students at the Choreographic Institute of North Carolina (CINC), under the direction of Artistic Director Diana Turner-Forte, have taken this classic story and choreographed a strong and expressive ballet about the power of love.

CINC is working with the schools to present this significant message to the students of Moore County on Friday, Nov. 16, at Aberdeen Elementary School Auditorium, and for the public at 3 and 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, at Weymouth Center.

"We are seeking sponsors for this powerful, uplifting story," says Turner-Forte.

Some may say this is only a children's story, but the truth is we all encounter bullies throughout our lives.

Recently, when speaking with a group of people in the community about its anti-bullying campaign, members of CINC were surprised when a middle-aged woman and her elderly mother spoke to them.

The daughter quickly disregarded bullying as being a child's problem, and in a few short moments of talking about bullies, the mother began to sob. The truth was she was being bullied by others in her retirement community. The daughter was shocked and looked at her mother in disbelief. Yes, bullying happens at any age and in any social circle.

"This is CINC's and the RisingPhoenix Dance Group's love story to the community," says Turner-Forte. "They feel that anyone can rise through adversity, no matter the circumstance, with unconditional love and self-worth, to become anything they desire."

Tickets for the Nov. 17 performance are now on sale, starting at $10, and can be purchased at www. cincdance.com.

For more information or sponsorship, contact CINC at (910) 725-0595.