The Nutcracker 2022
Ballet Etudes 2022 production of The Nutcracker has come to a close. In December 2022, Ballet Etudes presented five beautiful shows at the Huntington Beach High School Theater and 4 shows for the benefit of the Friends of the Huntington Beach Children’s Library. Under the Artistic Direction of Sasha Robertson, along with Co-Assistant Artistic Directors, Bridgette Burnett and Madison Simons, The Nutcracker amazed audiences of all ages. From the littlest lamb to the beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy, a cast of over 80 local dancers put on a great performance.
The Nutcracker (Jonathan Banh) saves Clara (Mia Yang) from the Rat King (Amaya Lesley). The Mice and Soldiers join in the Battle.
Grace Wendl as the Sugar Plum Fairy dances the Pas de Deux with Principal Guest Artist, Evan Strand.
We were grateful to have Principal Guest Artist, Edward Johnson, join us once again as Herr Drosselmeyer. We are thankful for Edward’s talent and gift for mentoring our young dancers in partnering and character acting. It was our extreme pleasure to have Principal Guest Artist, Evan Strand, re-join our cast as the Cavalier to the Sugar Plum Fairy. Evan’s experience as a dancer and actor is a wonderful enhancement to the production. And joining our cast for the first time was Guest Artist, Jonathan Banh, who performed the roles of Nephew, Nutcracker and Prince.
The beautiful Angels help Herr Drosselmeyer (Edward Johson) take Clara and the Prince to The Land of Sweets.
Ballet Etudes is in it’s 26th dance season. We have enjoyed bringing the beauty of ballet to the stage for 26 years. Each year, we make it possible for our audience members to enjoy a beautiful ballet like The Nutcracker. We are committed to exposing children to the beauty, grace and athleticism of ballet. Each year, we invite qualifying local families from local Title I schools, foster care organizations and various family support programs to experience our full-length production of The Nutcracker at no cost.
A Special Thank You to the following volunteers that make our production possible.
Promotions/Programs/T-shirts - Christine Wendl
Costume Coordinator - Sam Melwani
Props - Jana Acciacca, Dave & Heather Ostaszewski
Ticketing - Lisa Hager, Carrie Wood
Storage - Eriko Kurimoto
Transport Coordinator - Jason Hunter
Transport Team - Norman Wendl, Ryan Arakaki, Jake Kuns, Eric Yang
Side Stage Lead - Mayumi Okura
Side Stage Team - Dani Summers, Eriko Kurimoto, Dayna Swan, Jana Acciacca
Quick Change Coordinators - Tara Gayler, Amy Brill
Quick Change Support - Sam Melwani, Laura Fraser, Charro Scott
Make-up Coordinator - Meghan Yang
Make-up Team - Chrysti Polito, Kristin Frederick, Jenna Kaplan
Kids Room Leads - Dani Black, Tori Blum
Green Room Lead - Diana Perreira
Flower Sales - Rene Bousard, Audra Kuns
Merchandise Sales - Julie Smith, Charro Scott
Concession Sales - Mimi Stroman, Dave & Heather Ostaszewski
House Manager - Christine Arakaki
Party Parents - Alex & Christina Bostelman, Meghan & Eric Yang, Kent & Sara Woods, Craig & Charro Scott, Jake Kuns, Beth Blake
Mama “G” - Tim Ankeny
