Ballet Brings 'Refinement' To Lake Elsinore

A diminutive Clara, a gaggle of giggly mice, a small army of toy soldiers, and a shy angelic prince will take the stage Sunday in a Lake Elsinore production of ballet’s most beloved Christmas classic, “The Nutcracker.”

Led by professional dancer and ballet mistress Jazmine Delone, 53, this weekend’s performance starring over 50 Elsinore Valley dancers, ages 3 to 8, is set for 5 p.m. at located at 310 W Graham Ave.

I got sneak-peek, ever-so-exclusive, backstage interviews with the show’s performers Thursday evening when I dropped in for a dress rehearsal. It was a flurry of activity as petite toy dolls and snowflakes strapped on their tutus and slippers to ready for Sunday’s big production.

The in Lake Elsinore allowed the dancers to practice at its facility Thursday. Despite the offsite venue, the complex choreography, and the elaborate costumes required of “The Nutcracker” ballet, there wasn’t a single jittery performer in the house. These future prima ballerinas and cavaliers had nerves of steel.

Describing the reason for such confidence among the dancers, 8-year-old virtuoso Maglali Bravo, who has dual roles Sunday as a mouse and a flower, explained plainly, “You get to perform for people and show your talent.”

Delone elaborated, “They are so smart and so well-prepared. They are not nervous. These children are two years ahead of their time.”

Delone said her dance experience includes work in professional companies, and she has some teaching under her belt with the She grew up in Argentina and became a lawyer in her home country, but eventually immigrated to the United States and settled in the Elsinore Valley, she explained.

Delone teaches various dance classes at Lake Community Center, as does her 22-year-old daughter Stephanie Sanges, who is a dancer studying the art form in college.

One of Sunday’s stars is Providence Robinson, 5. She has the lead role as Clara. How did she get the headlining part at such a young age? 

Connections.

“She – Miss Jazmine -- remembered me from preschool,” Providence explained in a tiny voice.

Her mother, Katharine Robinson, filled in the blanks.

“She has always wanted to do ballet,” she said, adding that the regular dance lessons at the community center have taught her daughter “amazing discipline.”

“A lot of manners and respect come out of the ballet,” she said. “Many parents strive for this. It’s brought a lot of refinement to this community.”

Delone said bringing the cultural arts to Lake Elsinore is her goal.

“I want to see excellence in arts and academics,” she said. “These children are our future.”

Sunday’s performance of “The Nutcracker” is free, but donations are being accepted at the door.

“Many of the children here are on scholarships,” Delone said, explaining that some are not paying the regular monthly charge of $55 dollar a month for twice-weekly lessons. Delone said she wants to accommodate all who want to dance. Local seamstress Sophia Carrillo donated her time to sewing all the show’s costumes.

“It is on my back,” Delone said of the costs, “but I love it. The children love it.”