Nutcracker Brings Magic to Moorpark

The Moorpark Civic Ballet is feverishly rehearsing for their annual production of The Nutcracker, which will premiere at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza Saturday, December 17, at 1:30 and 6:30 p.m.  

The music, dancing, bright costumes and staging make for an exciting holiday tradition. This year will feature 85 dancers ranging in age from 4-years-old to adult.

The coveted role of Clara will be filled this year by talented 13-year-old dancer Elizabeth Romano. Elizabeth and her family are local Moorpark residents. She is currently an 8th grade student at Mesa Verde Middle School and has been dancing since she was 4 years old.

Michelle Peters, a senior at Thousand Oaks High School, will be premiering as the Dew Drop Fairy. For Michelle, her role is the result of many years of hard work.

“It’s pretty exciting," said Michelle. "This will be my 12th year to perform in ‘The Nutcracker.' I have danced so many parts, from the little party girls to the Dew Drop Fairy. There’s so much work that goes into this production but everyone involved feels a great sense of accomplishment once we’re finally on-stage performing for an audience, not to mention, we have a lot of fun!”

Keri Pelletier has also grown up dancing in the Nutcracker. 

Keri is a dance teacher at Pam Rossi’s Dance Ten. She is a graduate of Moorpark College and will be completing her FIDM in Los Angeles next year.

”I think I have danced just about every part now," she said. "I sure have some great memories. I’m dancing the Spanish lead one more time this year. I’m also excited to be choreographing the gift shop dancers and the street scene."

Moorpark Civic Ballet's Artistic Director, Pam Rossi, and Assistant Director, Val Manchin, have worked together for many years and are excited to be bringing this production to the community. 

Manchin is an accomplished dancer/choreographer/teacher. Formerly a principal dancer with the Gilbert Reed Dance Company in San Luis Obispo, she is dedicated to providing excellent dance instruction to her students. This year in particular Manchin is excited to have her 6-year-old daughter Jordan participating in the opening scenes.

Pam Rossi has been an integral part of the production for years now:

"I’ve seen so many dancers grow up in this program," said Rossi, "it gives me great joy to see dancers have their dreams become a reality. It’s encouraging that they are able to dance in the parts they have been idolizing for many years. The dancers work very hard to hone their skills and learn the choreography. The show this year is going to be amazing thanks to the wonderful talent present in our community. I’m very thankful for our local businesses and clubs that have also helped us continue to put on this program each year."  

Support for this production is provided by Target, Rotary Club, Kiwanis, Moorpark Women’s Fortnightly Club, the Arts Council of the Conejo Valley, PostNet, and The Moorpark Party Shop. Their sponsorships help give scholarships, purchase new costumes, and provide tickets to the underprivileged so that everyone has a chance to see the production.

There will be two full performances of The Nutcracker at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza's Janet  & Ray Scherr Forum Theatre on Saturday, December 17, at  1:30 and  6:30 p.m. Tickets will be on sale at Pam Rossi’s Dance Ten, 650 Flinn Ave #6, Moorpark.

A condensed performance of The Nutcracker will also be offered this year for the students at Walnut Canyon School in Moorpark. 

Moorpark Civic Ballet is a nonprofit 501(c) organization that was established in 2005 to bring the arts to our community. For more Information call (805) 529-1958 or visit their website at www.dance-ten.com.