Dedicated Local Young Dancers Take to the Stage for Nutcracker Performances

‘Tis the season for dancing Sugar Plum Fairies and dramatic battles between toy soldiers and mice. Beautiful productions of “The Nutcracker” will take place across the North State from November through December. For many families, attending “The Nutcracker” is a holiday tradition – it’s a story that has something for everyone!

Auditions and rehearsals for these esteemed productions began as early as September, with many dancers aspiring to participate. Young girls and boys have grown up watching this iconic ballet, dreaming of the day they would get to play Clara or the Mouse King. For many local talented young dancers, this dream will come true as they perform in productions of “The Nutcracker” throughout the North State this holiday season.

 A Very Chico Nutcracker

Chico Community Ballet presents an adaptation of the original story that incorporates elements of Chico’s history. The production is based on Dr. Oscar Stansbury and his daughter Angeline.

 Adelaide Sands

Adelaide Sands is returning as Angeline, a role she last performed six years ago. “Dancing this role again is like going back to a childhood dream and a childhood experience. The role of Angeline is so unique – you have the internal story in the dancer’s perspective that the audience gets to see.”

Adelaide, a Chico Community Ballet Alumni, currently teaches at Chico Creek Dance Studio. She graduated from Chico State last spring with an Art History degree and has begun to perform in productions in Southern California. She looks forward to branching out with new opportunities.

Willow Gonzales

Willow Gonzales, who has danced for over 14 years at Chico Creek Dance Studio, is the Snow Queen in this year’s production of A Very Chico Nutcracker. At 16, she calls it a dream come true, saying “’The Nutcracker’ is such a magical ballet and the Snow Scene has always been my favorite part. Being cast as the Snow Queen for my first primary dance role is amazing.” This year’s production will have all new costumes for the snow scene and she can’t wait to see hers.

Although her principal discipline is ballet, she also participates in tap classes for enjoyment. After high school, she is considering pursuing a career as a physical therapist and hopes to remain connected to dance by teaching at Chico Creek Dance Studio.

A Very Chico Nutcracker is performed by Chico Community Ballet Dec. 4 & 5, 7pm, Dec. 6, 1pm & 6pm and December 7, 1pm at Laxson Auditorium. Tickets at chicoperformances.com

The Nutcracker, Sierra Pointe Ballet.

Pryia Bakke

Priya Bakke, 14, is honored to be performing Clara this year in Sierra Point Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker.” With 10 years of dance experience, ballet is Priya’s delight and focus. “I love the passion in ballet. It is what drives you to do it best. It is so much more when you can tell a dancer has the passion. It really completes their dancing.”

Given how much blood, sweat and tears she has given to ballet she really hopes that it is a part of her future and to one day dance professionally. She attributes much of her success to her teacher, Miss Ellie, whose guidance and support have been invaluable.

Sierra Pointe Ballet performs “The Nutcracker” Nov. 30, 1:30pm and 4:30pm at the Oroville State Theatre. Tickets at 28833.danceticketing.com/r/events/.

The Nutcracker, Redding City Ballet

Audrey Beazor

19-year-old Audrey Beazor has been performing in The Nutcracker since she was six years old. This year, she will be reprising her role of the Dew Drop Princess in Redding City Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker, which she performed when she was 14 years old. She is very excited to be in this role again to demonstrate how much she has grown. “’The Nutcracker’ is community building time, so much excitement in the air about it. It feels like Christmas from September on. I love to see how different the roles grow and how the roles change every year.”

Along with being a sophomore at Shasta College, she teaches at Redding City Ballet. Audrey plans to transfer to Chico State to pursue a degree in Media Production. Upon graduation she wants to travel to South Korea to have a career in the film or dance industry. She is intrigued by the different dance styles and the Korean dramas with their unique storytelling.

Redding City Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” Dec. 12, 7pm; Dec. 13, 2pm & 7pm: Dec. 14, 2pm at the Cascade Theatre. Tickets at tapaconline.org

The Nutcracker, Redding Ballet Theatre and The Redding Arts Project School of Theatre and Dance

Sophia & Meghan Watkins

Sisters Sophia and Meghan Watkins are performing in “The Nutcracker” for the first time and can’t wait for their families to see them performing onstage. 16-year-old Sophia, a sophomore in high school with three years of dance experience, enjoys ballet’s challenges and artistry. “I love that every ballet class brings a new challenge. Ballet combines self-control and precision. It is a beautiful art.”

11-year-old Meghan has been dancing for four years. She performed in the Redding Arts Project School of Theatre and Dance production of Alice in Wonderland last spring and loved the experience of being onstage. She will be in multiple roles, including a mouse in the fight scene which she is looking forward to. “Dancing is something I have loved ever since I was young. I love seeing all my friends in class.”

A special addition to this year’s production, the Shasta Symphony Orchestra will perform Tchaikovsky’s iconic score live, bringing Clara’s enchanting journey to the Land of Sweets to life like never before.

Redding Ballet Theatre presents the Nutcracker Dec. 18-20, 7pm and Dec. 20, 2pm at Shasta College. Tickets at thereddingartsproject.simpletix.com/.

Whether you’re upholding a tradition or attending “The Nutcracker” for the first time, there are plenty of performances of this beloved ballet across the North State to enjoy. These dedicated dancers, directors and staff make each show unique. Buy your tickets now!