Children's Spotlight
Spotlight features our local Sedona children.
Nutcracker 2016
As Sedona continues to move towards its goal of becoming a city animated by the arts we must continue to provide the highest level of arts education and performing opportunities to our children. To this end over 25 local children were involved in this professional production of The Nutcracker. This experience has provided the children to see "the art of the possible" in the dance genre.
Nutcracker 2016
As Sedona continues to move towards its goal of becoming a city animated by the arts we must continue to provide the highest level of arts education and performing opportunities to our children. To this end over 25 local children were involved in this professional production of The Nutcracker. This experience has provided the children to see "the art of the possible" in the dance genre.
Jessica, 16 years old, began her ballet studies two years ago and is progressing quickly. Jessica studies at Master Ballet Academy in Scottsdale, with Olga Tarasova, Queens Creek and with Achmed Valk in Sedona. Jessica is determined to make ballet her career and aspires to dance professionally. Jessica attended the ballet intensive for four weeks at Master Ballet Academy and more recently completed a 5 week intensive at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet and was just accepted into the Ballet West Summer Intensive. Sedona citizens rallied around Jessica and raised over 4000 dollars last year and this year to send her to the ballet intensives. We were thrilled that Jessica danced The Doll a solo role as well as White Roses (a demi solo role) in Sedona with the Phoenix Ballet in the Saturday matinee performance. Sedona citizens should be so proud of our local dancer who worked so very hard and achieved two coveted roles. Jessica continue your hard work and know how very proud we are of you!
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Mari, age 10, has been dancing since she was 4. Mari is a committed student and has chosen dance as her career path. Mari dances 6 days a week with world renowned teachers to include Irena Wozniak, Master Ballet Academy, Olga Tarasova, Queens Creek, AZ and Achmed Valk, Sedona. Mari attended ballet summer intensives at Master Ballet Academy and the Russian Ballet Academy. Mari has danced in all 5 Nutcrackers in Sedona and three Nutcrackers in Phoenix with the Phoenix Ballet. Mari is preparing for the Youth America Grand Prix in 2018 and will dance the Swan Lake Variation #2 as well as a contemporary piece. She is a very talented, sensitive, passionate, demonstrative and musical dancer. We are so proud of her hard work and dedication. |
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MJ, 9 years old, is a natural dance talent. He performed in The Nutcracker last year and was exposed to the incredible talent of the dancers in the Phoenix Ballet. He was already a student of dance but this exposure created a desire to become a great dancer. He studies at the Master Ballet Academy in Phoenix twice a week and hopes to become a professional dancer. Many of you also saw him perform at the International Day of Peace in September. In addition, MJ is passionate about the cello. A rare talent, MJ performed in The Nutcracker as a Party Boy and a Rat. Good luck MJ. We know how hard you work and look forward to seeing you on the professional dance stage for years to come!!!
Zoe,16, and has performed in all five years of Nutcracker productions here in Sedona. Zoe is committed to dance and is the most gracious, kind and helpful person. I recognized her abilities immediately and Zoe and I have become good friends. I am so fortunate to call her friend. This year in addition to dancing as a Party mother and in Russian, Zoe was the production manager for the Nutcracker 2016. She is quick to spot what needs doing and jumps in and gets the job done. She assisted in costume fittings and the unenviable task of moving the marley floor over and over again. Heartfelt thanks to Zoe. You made this production possible! XXXOOO
Aylett, four years old, is a natural dance talent. We are amazed at how quickly Aylett learns choreography and knows her marks despite her young age. In addition she is already professional in her approach to rehearsals. Aylett never complains and is in awe of the professionals in Phoenix. The week after her first rehearsal with the professional company I espied Aylett trying to figure out the ever elusive pirouette and grand jetes as well. I believe Aylett will be in the world of professional dance in the coming years. Aylett danced in the Party Scene, the Snow Scene, small angels and as a small flower.
Lexie, age 7, began her ballet training this year and simply loves to dance. We were in awe of how quickly she learns choreography. She is pure joy. Whenever I see Lexie, in rehearsal or at a local store she is dancing and practicing her steps. Lexie danced in the Party Scene, small angels and an angel in the snow scene.
Emerald, 8 years old, has studied dance for several years as well as gymnastics. Emerald is also a cheerleader and competes through out the state. At first, Emerald seems quiet and demure however as you get to know her you discover that she is quite the character. Emerald is fun, creative and creates joy for all that are lucky enough to know her. And if that were not enough she is a talented young dancer. Emerald danced in the party scene, as a snow angel and as an Angel en Bouree in this year's production. Emerald was also be a gymnast in the Gingerbread scene. Emerald I love your faces you make for the camera!! XXOO!
Fiona, 7 years old, started her dance studies with Danielle Claire several years ago and more recently studies two days a week at Danse Sedona. Fiona is passionate about dance. Fiona's smile melts all hearts that are lucky enough to know her. In addition her enthusiasm is contagious and all who come in contact with Fiona are bitten by the ballet bug. We are so happy she was part of the Sedona cast this year and danced in the Party Scene, as an angel in the snow scene, a small angel and as a small flower.
Mike, 8 years old, had recently expressed an interest in dance to his parents and joined the Nutcracker cast to explore his interest. Mike is a very talented young man. We are so thrilled he has joined us. I have never met a kinder, more sensitive and intelligent child. He is the heart of our team. He reminds us all to put kindness in all we do. Mike danced in the Party Scene this year as well as rat in the fight scene.
Angel, 11 years old has studied dance seriously for the past year. Angel studies ballet three days a week and has been en pointe for the last year. Angel has beautiful feet and incredible strength and is very serious about her dance studies. Angel excels at school and anything she puts her mind to. She embodies kindness and is a joy. We are thrilled she is on our Nutcracker team. Angel danced as a boy and girl in the Party Scene, Angels en Bouree, and Russian. In addition, Angel understudied White Roses and rehearsed the part three times a week and stated, "I know I am not ready for it this year however if I continue to practice I may have the opportunity to dance this role it in future years." So proud of her work ethic and yes Angel if you keep up this level of commitment there is no question!
Abby studied recreational ballet locally for several years and then suddenly the ballet bug bit. Abby, age 9, loves ballet and has decided that she would like to pursue a career in dance. Abby is passionate about ballet and now studies 3 days a week with Candy as well as completed a two week summer intensive. In addition to dance Abby loves to read and play soccer. Her school has recognized her as a great leader and role model. Abby is also very involved in Girl Scouts, is an honor student and is always trying her best and pushing herself to be the best self and dancer she can be.
Murphy, age 9, began attending dance classes two weeks before her third birthday. Murphy trains 6 days a week and is very passionate about ballet. Murphy attends Summer's Danceworks in Prescott during the week and Master Ballet Academy in Scottsdale on the weekend. She attends 8.5 hours of ballet technique classes a week. Murphy attended both the Master Ballet Academy 2016 Summer Intensive and the Master Ballet Academy 2016 Grand Prix Intensive. She is currently a member of the Summer's Danceworks Star Performance Company. Murphy attends Basis Prescott and has been named a member of the 90% Club, a Coyote of Character and given the "Ray of Sunshine' award for being a student with a tremendously positive attitude.
Addie, 8 years old, studies dance three days a week at Danse Sedona in Sedona. Addie is passionate about ballet and works extremely hard at mastering the technique. Addie also was active in a two week summer intensive and hopes to pursue a career in dance. Addie also plays softball and swims. She excels and expects excellence of herself at all times. Addie performed in the Party Scene, Angels en Bouree, and Russian.
Mia, 9 years old, is passionate about ballet. Mia trains 3 days a week, 2 hours a day at Danse Sedona in the Village. In addition Mia studied 5 days a week for two weeks in a dance intensive. Mia is a very serious student and demands only the best from herself. We all feel so lucky to know this sweet, kind and talented young lady. Mia is also very active in her school life and studies the violin as well. Mia danced in the Party Scene, Russian and an Angel en Bouree.
