

Dear Friends of Ventura County Ballet,
Welcome to our 24th annual performance of The Nutcracker. Ventura County Ballet is proud to present world-class dance performances in Ventura, Camarillo, and Oxnard. Ventura County is fortunate to have a lively arts scene and a plethora of artists enriching our community. We are pleased to be an integral part of this rich cultural fabric. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation, we rely on the generosity of our communities. We hope you will select an area of interest from the list below to support through our Red Shoes Sponsorship program.
Performance – Annual performance of the beloved Nutcracker, followed by a spring ballet such as Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella or A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Our productions are professionally choreographed by renowned directors and performed by internationally acclaimed professional dancers, accompanied by pre-professionals. Lavish sets, costumes and special effects contribute to the audience’s enjoyment.
Outreach – Outreach events brings the magic of dance to underserved children and families in our county. We have worked with Ventura County Human Services for Celebrate the Child and presented special programs like Day at the Ballet for children in Foster and Kinship care. This season we performed at the Camarillo and Ventura Boys and Girls Clubs and the Ventura County Medical Center Pediatric Oncology Clinic. We also provide free tickets to families who otherwise would not be able to attend our mainstage productions.
Education – Your support in the past has helped us bring busloads of children to enjoy our shows as well as participate in lively dance education assemblies led by our directors. The children in the audience are encouraged to try out some steps with volunteers invited to make their stage debut. A generous past donor enabled us to bring 1,500 laughing and applauding elementary school students to a special production at Oxnard Performing Arts Center.
Collaboration – We have collaborated with the New West Symphony, the Ventura Music Festival, The Museum of Ventura County, Focus on the Masters, the Ventura Film Festival and many others. Your patronage will help us once again create the excitement of artistic expression across the spectrum. Last spring, our DAnce ART program performed at Namba Performing Arts Space in downtown Ventura, presenting two streaming programs of The Classics and Dance Through a Contemporary Lens. These new and creative collaborations break down barriers between disciplines and challenge the way we think about dance while reaching diverse audiences.
We hope you enjoy The Nutcracker and will join us as patrons and sponsors.
“To touch to move to inspire – this is the true gift of dance.” Aubrey Lang
Sincerely, Kathleen Noblin, Executive Director Eileen Riddle, President Board of Directors
Tax I.D. 77-0514061 *Please send donations to Ventura County Ballet, PO Box 1072, Ventura, CA 93002-1072 or donate online at www.venturacountyballet.com/donate
Ms. Noblin founded Ballet Academy Ventura in 1992. Its students have attended top summer programs and received scholarships to universities and positions in leading dance companies. In 1998, she founded the Ventura County Ballet (VCB) and has served as Executive Director since. VCB annually presents The Nutcracker plus spring ballets, contemporary and neoclassical works and community outreach events. Ms. Noblin has directed collaborations with New West Symphony, Ventura Music Festival, Ventura County Master Chorale, Museum of Ventura County and others. In 2008, she received the City of Ventura Mayor’s Arts Award as Arts Educator of the Year. She served on the Ventura Cultural Planning Steering Committee and worked with Arts Live Advisory Council. A graduate of UCLA with a B.S. in Nursing, she is also a Certified Public Health Nurse.
Born in Russia, Ms. Fliagina graduated with distinction from Perm State College of choreography. In 1990 she joined Moscow State Theatre Kremlin Ballet where she worked with Vladimir Vasiliev and Ekaterina Maximova. She was next a soloist at the Perm State Opera House/ Tchaikovsky Ballet. She has performed major roles in all classical ballets and toured internationally with the Russian Imperial Ballet, Moscow Classical Ballet and the Moscow Festival Ballet. Ms. Fliagina joined State Street Ballet in 1998 and was promoted to Ballet Mistress in 2000. She also appears in character roles in ballets like The Nutcracker, Romeo and Juliet and Cinderella. Ms. Fliagina has been an instructor at Ballet Academy Ventura since 2000 and been Ventura County Ballet Company’s Associate Artistic Director, Choreographer and Ballet Mistress since 2005.
Eileen Riddle, an educator, director and producer, returns to lead Ventura County Ballet. With a B.A. and M.A. from UCLA’s School of Theatre, Film, and Television, she began her career as an educator. At Beverly Hills H.S., she taught and directed musicals, plays and competitions. Her students wrote and acted in TV shows broadcast to 30,000 residents. She also taught at UCLA’s Theatre Department and at Pepperdine University where she directed West Side Story, the first production in the Smothers Theater. Her Broadway experience includes work with playwright Dale Wasserman and launching new works at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center. Returning to Ventura, she was VCB’s Board President for 12 years. As Chair of the City’s Cultural Affairs Commission, she created many exciting arts collaborations and arts events.
Kathleen Noblin, Executive Director • Eileen Riddle, President Pam Reinig, Vice President • Giselle Lopez, Treasurer • Cheryl Sills, Secretary Amy Aguilar • Cynthia Loughman • Wendy Ullrich
Chair Alyssa Poelstra
Brown Paper Tickets
Michelle Parcher
Dressing Rooms
Lucy Garcia Grams
Linda Admiral • Melissa Lefler
Hair/Makeup Lisa Trigueros
Hospitality, Ushers, Tickets
Brian and LaRae Hansen
Load/Unload Matt Ehret
Lobby Boutique
Sophie Desroches • Amy Watts
Marketing/Advertising/Poster Design
Amy Aguilar
Media Relations/Outreach
Cheryl Sills
Ballet Mistress
Marina Fliagina
Stage Managers
Marina Fliagina • Kathleen Noblin
Rehearsal Assistant
Emi Pool
Acting Coach
Madeleine Riddle
Co-Chairs
Yesenia Anderson • Carly Spahr
Photography
Pam Reinig • Wendy Ullrich
Poster Distribution
Brittany Parkin Program Advertising
Pam Reinig • Wendy Ullrich Program Ad Design Amy Aguilar • Tanushree Pal Props/Quick Change Rochelle Roman
Red Shoes Fundraising Wendy Ullrich Security Nikolai Trigueros
Sugar Plum Cookie Party Alisa Hall • Casey Steiner
Costumes
Kathy Conner • Ann de Farra Ernestina Ponce • Barbara Viruetta
Barb Whalen
Program Design
Mustang Marketing
Rancho Campana PAC Supervisor
Katie Barry
Ventura County Ballet would like to thank all of the volunteers who gave so selflessly of their time to make this year’s Nutcracker a great success. Without our wonderful volunteers, these productions would not be possible.
Hannah Chudinova, dancing as Dream Clara is from Kyiv, Ukraine. She has toured throughout Europe and the United States with Kyiv Ballet, St. Petersburg Ballet, Moscow Ballet and Russian Grand Ballet. She has danced featured roles in La Bayadere, Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, Don Quixote and others. She graduated from the Kyiv Choreographic College as both a ballet dancer and ballet teacher. This is Hanna’s first season with Ventura County Ballet.
Jack Stewart, the Nutcracker Prince and Party Father, is from Albuquerque, NM. He trained at New Mexico Ballet with his mother Jennifer Boren. Jack has performed principal roles with State Street Ballet where he was featured in The Nutcracker, The Secret Garden, Starry Night and American Tango. This is Jack’s thirteenth season with Ventura County Ballet. He also danced the principal role in Convergence with Ventura County Ballet’s DAnce ART series.
Enton Hoxha, born in Albania, trained at The National Ballet Academy in Albania and completed his dance education in Moscow. With the Moscow Classical Ballet and Ballet Stars of St. Petersburg, Enton toured Europe and the United States as a soloist before joining The Ajkun Ballet Theatre Company. He was a guest artist with The Metropolitan Opera House. Dancing as Drosselmeyer, this is Enton’s fifteenth season with Ventura County Ballet.
Alvaro Quita, from Tucson, Arizona, began his dance training at Dancing in the Streets Arizona. He also attended State Street Ballet’s Summer intensive and Professional Track program. Alvaro has performed with State Street Ballet and as a guest dancer with Fresno Ballet Theatre, Northwest Ballet and at his home studio in Tucson. In his fourth season with Ventura County Ballet, Alvaro is the Grandmother, Nutcracker, Pastry Chef and Waltz Cavalier.
Shane Tice, born in Seattle, received his primary training from Ronald G. Tice and Magali Messac. He was a scholarship student at Pacific Northwest Ballet, Houston Ballet, School of American Ballet and American Ballet Theatre. Shane has danced with Minnesota Dance Theater, State Street Ballet, Smuin Ballet, San Francisco Ballet and Festival Ballet. He returns to Ventura County Ballet for his sixth season as Snow King, Russian and Waltz Cavalier.
Foothill Technology High School, 12th grade
Professional Summer Intensives attended: Gustafson Dance Awards/achievements: Girl Scouts Silver and Bronze Awards, Honor Roll, Community Service Award
El Camino High School, 12th grade
Ventura High School, 12th grade
Professional Summer Intensives attended: San Francisco Ballet, Marat Daukayev School of Ballet, State Street Ballet Awards/achievements: Scholarship to San Francisco Ballet Summer Intensive, California Dance Classics 1st and 2nd place, BAV Most Improved Dancer, Outstanding Musicianship Award, California Scholarship Federation
Ventura High School, 12th grade
Awards/achievements: The Rock School of Dance Summer Intensive Scholarship, California Dance Classics 1st and 2nd place, BAV Most Improved Dancer, Honor Roll, Yearbook Editor
Ventura High School, 12th grade
Professional Summer Intensives attended: San Francisco Ballet, State Street Ballet, Marat Daukayev School of Ballet
Awards/achievements: California Dance Classics 1st and 2nd place, National Honor Society, California Scholarship Federation, BAV Most improved Dancer
Foothill Technology High School, 10th grade
Professional Summer Intensives attended: State Street Ballet Awards/achievements: Joffrey Ballet School Scholarship, BAV Most Improved Dancer, Honor Roll, Renaissance Award
Buena High School, 11th grade
Awards/achievements: Journalism media manager/ photographer, ASB treasurer, Honor Roll, AVID student, California Legislature Assembly Certificate of Recognition, Buena High School Integrity Award, MECHA Club.
CARTER GILLESPIE • 16 years old
Newbury Park High School, 11th grade
Awards/achievements: California Dance Classics 1st and 2nd place
MOLLY GLOBERMAN • 16 years old
Ventura High School, 11th grade
Awards/achievements: Rubicon Summer Theater Program Mamma Mia ensemble
HAILEY
• 15 years old
Foothill Technology High School, 10th grade
Professional Summer Intensives attended: Tiler Peck Summer Dance Intensive at the California Dance Theater
Awards/achievements: Renaissance Award, California Scholarship Federation, Salutatorian at Ventura Missionary School, Participant in Quest 4 Space Program (partnership with International Space Station)
Ventura High School, 9th grade Awards/achievements: Honor Roll
Foothill Technology High School, 11th grade
Awards/achievements: Buena High School Honors Orchestra, Ventura County Office of Education Hackathon Best Team, Balboa M.S. Orchestra Director’s Award, Balboa M.S. Explorer of Year, BAV Most Improved Dancer
Foothill Technology High School, 10th grade
Ventura High School, 9th grade
Professional Summer Intensives attended: State Street Ballet, Marat Daukayev School of Ballet
Awards/achievements: Joffrey Summer Intensive Early Admission, Honor Roll
• 15 years old
Ventura High School, 10th grade
Professional Summer Intensives attended: School of American Ballet Awards/achievements: Scholarship to School of American Ballet, Joffrey Summer Intensive Early Admission, Honor Roll
Ventura High School, 11th grade
Professional Summer Intensives attended: Gustafson Dance Awards/achievements: Girl Scouts Silver and Bronze Awards, Honor Roll, Community Service Award
Cabrillo Middle School, 8th grade
Professional Summer Intensives attended: School of American Ballet, State Street Ballet Awards/achievements: Joffrey Summer Intensive Early Admission, Cabrillo M.S. Mariner Award and Blue Heart Award, Honor Roll
in Two Acts based on E.T.A. Hoffman’s Nutcracker and the Mouse King Music: Peter I. Tchaikovsky
One: Scene One:
It is a snowy evening, and the Stahlbaum family is preparing for their holiday party. The Christmas tree is ablaze with lights as they welcome their guests. Clara’s godfather Herr Drosselmeyer arrives with special gifts. The children begin to dance and play. Drosselmeyer disguises himself as a wizard, but Clara recognizes him. He then presents a puppet show. The puppets tell the story of Princess Clara, the evil Mouse Queen and the Nutcracker. Drosselmeyer also presents three life-size dolls: a Harlequin, the lovely Columbine and a Nutcracker Soldier doll. Clara is very taken with the Nutcracker Soldier doll and asks her godfather if she can keep him. Her brother Fritz tries to take her doll, and its arm is broken during the struggle. Clara is heartbroken, but Drosselmeyer repairs the Nutcracker’s arm with Clara’s ribbon. He tells Clara that true love is the real magic and she must always take care of her doll. The party ends, and the guests leave with their gifts. Clara’s mother puts her to bed, but she creeps downstairs to find her Nutcracker. She curls up with him next to the tree, falls asleep and begins a wonderful dream... Now the magic begins!
The clock strikes twelve. Everything including the tree begins to grow. The Toy Soldiers become life-size and large Rats appear with their evil Mouse Queen. The Mouse Queen and Rats outnumber the Nutcracker and his soldiers. A battle ensues, and the Mouse Queen is about to destroy the Nutcracker when Clara bravely steps forward to protect him. The Mouse Queen falls helplessly to the ground. Clara has saved her Nutcracker; her love conquered evil.
The Nutcracker is transformed into a handsome Prince and Clara is a beautiful princess. They travel through the Snow Forest filled with Snow Fairies. Clara’s unconditional love and bravery have been rewarded. They are greeted by the Snow King and Queen who present them with a magical sleigh to take them to the Kingdom of the Sweets.
Clara and the Prince are greeted by the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Fairies of the Sweets. They are surrounded by Angels. The Sugar Plum Fairy presents Clara with a beautiful magical cape. The Candy Treats all dance and entertain Clara. Next the Dew Drop Fairy escorts her to the Land of the Flowers. Princess Clara dances with her beloved Nutcracker Prince. The Sugar Plum Fairy reminds Clara that wishes come true if you have a pure and loving heart. This wonderful night filled with sweets, sugar plums and flower fairies comes to an end with Clara asleep by the tree.
Epilogue:
Frau Stahlbaum awakens Clara from her magical dream. Clara is beside her own Christmas tree. Her Nutcracker Prince was gone, and Clara was no longer a princess. She has learned the power of love, friendship and devotion to others.
Drosselmeyer arrives for holiday supper with a special guest, his nephew, young Herr Drosselmeyer. Clara marvels at the nephew’s resemblance to the Nutcracker Prince. What a dream! Clara has learned that love must come from inside oneself. It must be unselfish, true and unconditional. We must love everyone and rejoice in our differences.
Choreography: Marina Fliagina after Petipa and Vaynonen May
The Stahlbaum family is happily preparing for their Christmas Eve party as their guests arrive.
Frau Stahlbaum: (Dec. 3) Olivia Roman, (Dec. 10) Emma Steiner, (Dec. 11) Ella Ullrich Herr Stahlbaum: Shane Tice
Clara: (Dec. 3) Hailey Hall, (Dec. 10) Abby Steiner, (Dec. 11) Sylvie Lane Watts Fritz: (Dec. 3 and Dec. 11) Noelle Hall, (Dec. 10) Leona Bea Rutherford
Drosselmeyer: Enton Hoxha Harlequin: Jonah Tillery Columbine: (Dec. 3) Ella Ullrich, (Dec. 10) Miranda Aguilar, (Dec. 11) Nika Wallach Soldier Doll: (Dec. 3 and Dec. 11) Carter Gillespie, (Dec. 10) Milo Kranzler Parents’ Dance: Party Mothers: Sienna Darlucio, Julieta Garcia, Mariah Garcia, Molly R. Globerman, Tasi Lefler, Isheeta Pal, McKenna Parcher, (Dec. 3 and Dec. 10) Nika Wallach, (Dec. 11) Miranda Aguilar Party Fathers: Carter Gillespie, Don Gillespie, Jack Stewart, Jonah Tillery
Grandmother: Alvaro Quita Maid: (Dec. 3) Miranda Aguilar
Clara’s Friends: Kirra Anderson-Turner, London Lindsay, (Dec. 3 and Dec. 11) Abby Steiner, (Dec. 3 and Dec. 10) Sylvie Lane Watts, (Dec. 10 and Dec. 11) Hailey Hall
Party Girls: Stevi Almanza, Keira Barker, Emma Hansen, Helena Jones, Aubree Lindsey, London McGarey, Olivia Poelstra, (Dec. 3 and Dec. 11) Leona Bea Rutherford, (Dec. 10) Noelle Hall
Party Boys: Vivienne Aulenta, Daxton Ehret, Arianna Garcia, Makinley Gray, Emmy Steinlicht, Mila Reine Watts
Princess Puppet: (Dec. 3 and Dec. 11) Norah Spahr, (Dec. 10) Evelyn Young Nutcracker Puppet: (Dec. 3 and Dec. 11) Edison Trigueros, (Dec. 10) Elena Morales
Rat Queen Puppet: (Dec. 3 and Dec. 11) Monroe Jackmon, (Dec. 10) Beverly Parkin
Rat Queen: (Dec. 3 and Dec. 10) Olivia Roman, (Dec. 11) Emma Steiner
Nutcracker: Alvaro Quita
Battle Rats: Carter Gillespie and Jonah Tillery
With Stevi Almanza, Daxton Ehret, James Garrison, Noelle Hall, Rebeca Hu, Angela Hua, Milo Kranzler, Aubree Lindsey, London McGarey, Emmy Steinlicht
Red Cross Brigade: Ava Avila, Isabella Marshall, Evelyn Young
Tin Soldiers: Kirra Anderson-Turner, London Lindsay, (Dec. 3 and Dec. 11) Abby Steiner, (Dec. 3 and Dec. 10) Sylvie Lane Watts, (Dec. 10 and Dec. 11) Hailey Hall
Calvary Soldiers: Flag: Helena Jones, Trumpeter: Keira Barker, Cannon Brigade: Emma Hansen, Leona Bea Rutherford
Princess Clara: Hanna Chudinova
Nutcracker Prince: Jack Stewart
Snow Queen: (Dec. 3) Emma Steiner, (Dec. 10) Ella Ullrich, (Dec. 11) Olivia Roman
Snow King: Shane Tice
Snow Princesses: Miranda Aguilar, Isheeta Pal, Nika Wallach, (Dec. 3 and Dec. 11) Ella Ullrich, (Dec. 10) Emma Steiner
Snow Fairies: Sienna Darlucio, Julieta Garcia, Mariah Garcia, Molly R. Globerman, Milo Kranzler, Tasi Lefler, London Lindsay, McKenna Parcher
Snowflakes (matinees only): Katherine Dagher, Zoey Davis, Nina Drevenstedt, Nicky Hernandez, Julieta Juarez, Daniella Lang, Angelyn Lopez, Taylor Oas, Harlow Rega, Olivia Romero, Ava Solomon, Frances Tallerico
Angels: Stevi Almanza, James Garrison, Noelle Hall, Emma Hansen, Rebeca Hu, Angela Hua, Helena Jones, Leona Bea Rutherford
Sugar Plum Fairy: (Dec. 3) Emma Steiner, (Dec. 10) Ella Ullrich, (Dec. 11) Olivia Roman Sugar Plum Attendants: Noelle Hall, Emma Hansen, Helena Jones, Leona Bea Rutherford
Chocolate (Spanish): Nika Wallach, Jonah Tillery
Coffee (Arabian): (Dec. 3) Olivia Roman, (Dec. 10) Emma Steiner, (Dec. 11) Ella Ullrich With: Stevi Almanza, James Garrison, (Dec. 3) Hailey Hall, (Dec. 3) Sylvie Lane Watts, (Dec. 10 and Dec. 11) Rebeca Hu, (Dec. 10 and Dec. 11) Angela Hua
Tea (Chinese): (Dec. 3) Abby Steiner, Carter Gillespie (Dec. 10 and Dec. 11) Sienna Darlucio, Milo Kranzler
With: Arianna Garcia, Makinley Gray, Olivia Poelstra, Mila Reine Watts
French Marzipan (Dance of Reed Flutes): (Dec. 3) Milo Kranzler, Isheeta Pal, McKenna Parcher, (Dec. 10) Miranda Aguilar, Carter Gillespie, Sylvie Lane Watts, (Dec. 11) Miranda Aguilar, Carter Gillespie, Hailey Hall
Trepak (Russian): (Dec. 3) Mariah Garcia, Tasi Lefler, Shane Tice (Dec. 10 and Dec. 11) Julieta Garcia, Molly R. Globerman, Shane Tice
With: Vivienne Aulenta, Keira Barker, Emma Hansen, Helena Jones, Aubree Lindsey, London McGarey
Candyland Dolls and Gingerbread Soldiers: Gingerbread Soldiers: Stevi Almanza, James Garrison, Rebeca Hu, Angela Hua Candyland Dolls: Kirra Anderson-Turner, Noelle Hall, London Lindsay, Leona Bea Rutherford
Pastry Chef, Pastry Chef Assistants and Sugar Cookies: Pastry Chef: Alvaro Quita Pastry Chef Assistants: Ava Avila, Isabella Marshall Sugar Cookies: Canyon Arthur, Addisyn Beccera, Estelle Carbajal, Joy Guzik, Monroe Jackmon, Elena Morales, Beverly Parkin, Isabella Quintero, Violette Ritchey, Vivian Rutherford, Rubi Santana, Norah Spahr, Frances Tallerico, Edison Trigueros, Claire Wells, Evelyn Young
Dew Drop Fairy: (Dec. 3) Ella Ullrich, (Dec. 10) Olivia Roman, (Dec. 11) Emma Steiner
Flowerland Cavaliers: Carter Gillespie, Alvaro Quita, Shane Tice, Jonah Tillery
Flower Princesses: Miranda Aguilar, Isheeta Pal, Nika Wallach, (Dec. 3) Olivia Roman, (Dec. 10) Emma Steiner, (Dec. 11) Ella Ullrich
Flower Fairies: Kirra Anderson-Turner, Sienna Darlucio, Julieta Garcia, Mariah Garcia, Molly R. Globerman, Milo Kranzler, Tasi Lefler, McKenna Parcher
Princess Clara: Hanna Chudinova
Nutcracker Prince: Jack Stewart
Grand Finale: Ventura County Ballet
Frau Stahlbaum finds Clara sleeping next to the Christmas tree. Herr Drosselmeyer arrives with a special guest, his nephew, whom Clara recognizes as her “Dream Prince.”
We are all
Norah, Congratulations on your first Nutcracker performance. very proud of our little Princess Puppet and Sugar Cookie. Keep dreaming, keep working hard, and the stage will be yours.
Love, Mom, Dad, Liam & Caden
Smith Hobson Foundation Party Scene
Red Shoes is the fundraising arm of Ventura County Ballet. Our mission is to preserve and promote ballet as part of the rich arts fabric of Ventura County.
Your contributions are essential to bring the beloved Nutcracker to stage this holiday season and for seasons to come.
Become a Red Shoes sponsor today and support: Î Our annual production of The Nutcracker and additional classical and contemporary works Î Outreach performances for underserved children in our community Î Opportunities for Ventura County Ballet dancers to train and perform with professional dancers Î Productions bringing professional dancers from across the globe to Ventura County
At each level of membership, we are delighted to offer exclusive rewards to thank you for your support and recognize your contribution including an invitation to our Red Shoes Reception held one hour prior to show time. Please use the QR code or visit our website at www.VenturaCountyBallet.com/sponsorships to find out more.
Your contributions make a difference! Ventura County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and your donation is tax deductible in accordance with law. Thank you for your continued support!