Holiday Classic Nutcracker Ballet Coming to Templeton, December 2011

The North County Dance and Performing Arts Foundation proudly presents the fourteenth annual Nutcracker ballet at the Templeton Performing Arts Center for two weekends in December. Dates for the performances are December 2, 3, 4, and 9, 10, 11. This production has come to be cherished by the local community as a traditional rendition of the holiday classic appropriate for audiences of all ages.

Professional guest artists, many members of the community and professional choreographers come together to make this production truly grand. Cast members train at Class Act Dance and Performing Arts Studio in Paso Robles and dancers in the Paso Robles Chamber Ballet are featured in the leading roles. Under the direction of Cheryle Armstrong and Amy Wescom, this production features brilliant costumes and festive sets to compliment Tchaikovsky’s beloved musical score. This year’s choreographers are: Cheryle Armstrong, Molly Comin, Rachel Dodson, Rebecca Kensrue, Tiffini Hansen, Brianna Haynes, Lindsey Layport, Amy Wescom and Saundra Woods. Dates for the performances are:

Thursday, December 1 at 7 pm: Dress rehearsal open to students as a food bank fundraiser
Friday, December 2 at 7:30 pm: Opening Night
Saturday, December 2 at 2 pm
Sunday, December 4 at 2 pm
Thursday, December 8 at 7 pm: Dress rehearsal/Senior discount night
Friday, December 9 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, December 10 at 2 pm
Sunday, December 11 at 2 pm

We are honored to have skilled professional dancer Bryan Ketron of the Oakland Ballet and Ballet San Jose with Guest Choreographer Brianna Haynes of the Pacific Northwest Ballet contributing her expertise. The role of the Sugar Plum Fairy will be performed by local aspiring ballerina Chelsea Farrer, winner of Regional Dance of America’s scholarship. Clara, the young girl whose enchanted dreams are inspired by the nutcracker she receives, will be played by the adorably talented Sarah Farrer. Perhaps the most magical part of NCDPAF’s annual Nutcracker Ballet is the combination of local talent and accomplished professionals. This year’s performance promises to provide moments of awe and pride as the audience soaks in the nostalgia of this classic holiday tale presented by exquisitely skilled professional dancers alongside North County’s beloved children of the arts. Director Cheryle Armstrong’s commitment to providing her students an opportunity to train and perform with accomplished dancers continues to motivate them while providing the local audience a taste of professional classic ballet rarely available in our area.

Thursday, December 1st, is a dress rehearsal open to local students in grades K-12. Students are invited to attend for just the price of a canned food item and $5, and the food is donated to a local food bank. This is a very popular event with school groups, scout troops, and other youth organizations, so reservations are necessary and one paid adult chaperone is required for every six children. Thursday, December 8 is another dress rehearsal to which seniors age sixty-five and up may purchase tickets at the discounted price of $12. Come by Class Act Dance and Performing Arts Studio at 2508 Spring Street, Paso Robles, CA for your tickets or call for more information about these special events.

Tickets will be available starting November first. Prices are $22 for adults, $17 for seniors sixty-five and up, and for children under twelve. Lap-sitting infants age one and under are free. For tickets, call 1-800-838-3006 or visit www.brownpapertickets.com. For more information, contact Class Act Dance and Performing Arts Studio at (805) 239-3668 extension 402.