Presented by Westchester Ballet Company
Westchester Ballet Company's Producing Partners, Members, and Friends present
December 16, 17, and 18, 2022
The 2022 Nutcracker at Lehman Center for the Performing Arts is a production of Westchester Ballet Company, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. 95 Croton Avenue, Ossining, NY 10562 | westchesterballet.org | (914) 941-4532
Revel in an old-fashioned European Christmas party, choose sides in a fierce battle between toy soldiers and mischievous mice, and accompany Clara as she is guided by the Winter Snows to the magical Land of Sweets. Welcome to The Nutcracker. We hope you enjoy this enchanting journey!
This year marks the second time that Westchester Ballet Company (WBC) performs at Lehman Center for the Performing Arts. We are so excited to share our Nutcracker with new friends in the Bronx and surrounding areas again!
WBC was incorporated in 1950, making it one of the oldest regional, nonprofit ballet companies in the United States. Founded by celebrated ballerina and choreographer Iris Merrick and located in Ossining, New York, the company is comprised of approximately 100 dancers who are selected each September through open auditions held at Logrea Dance Academy, the official school of WBC. These dancers come from every corner of Westchester, and each and every young dancer beautifully represents the talent, richness, and diversity of our community.
WBC recently celebrated its 72nd anniversary, and the company is as vibrant, forward-looking, and eager as ever to engage with young dancers and the local community in the pursuit of excellence in dance education and programming.
The company is ever grateful to Co-Artistic Directors, Beth Fritz-Logrea and Jean Logrea, for their dedication to the WBC project since they took the helm in 1986. Their leadership and vision have been crucial to preserving this beloved holiday tradition in the community.
While the world and how we engage in culture and entertainment has changed dramatically since our founding, WBC is steadfast in its firmly held belief that there is great value in bringing people together through shared, communal performing arts experiences—that ballet can be a vehicle through which we can engage young people, help them discover purpose, and work together to engender greater equity in and access to the arts.
We are extremely grateful for the generous donations from our members and supporters, which allow us to preserve this much-loved, magical family favorite. We are thrilled to share our performance with you and hope you enjoy every minute of The Nutcracker!
On behalf of every member of Westchester Ballet Company, we wish you all the joys of the holiday season!
The magical characters of The Nutcracker await you in the Land of Sweets!Left: 2018 Nutcracker at Westchester County Center. Photo: Bill Prouty
by the Westchester Ballet
Music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Choreography by Beth Fritz-Logrea and Jean Logrea
It is Christmas Eve 1830, in the home of a European city official. He and his wife and children, Clara and Fritz, welcome their guests to their annual Christmas party. Soon after the party begins, Uncle Drosselmeyer arrives, scaring all the children except Clara and Fritz. Every Christmas Drosselmeyer brings the children strange and wonderful toys. This Christmas he has brought a pair of magnificent dancing dolls. Clara asks her uncle if she can keep them, but he has brought her something even better—a toy nutcracker! Jealous, Fritz snatches it from Clara and breaks it. Drosselmeyer bandages the Nutcracker and Clara puts him to bed for the night.
The guests leave and all is quiet. Unable to sleep, Clara tiptoes downstairs to be with her Nutcracker. Suddenly mice invade the room! Then, as the clock strikes midnight, Drosselmeyer returns, and to Clara’s astonishment, he magically makes the Christmas tree grow. A battle ensues between the Nutcracker’s cadre of toy soldiers and the mice. When the Nutcracker is threatened by the Mouse King, Clara kills the Mouse King with her shoe and the Nutcracker is transformed into a handsome young prince. The Prince invites Clara to journey with him to his real home: the Land of Sweets. They are guided on their way by the Winter Snows, which the magic of Christmas has brought to life.
Clara Fritz
The President
His Wife
The Maid
The Butler
The Aunt Clara's Cousin
The Guests
Lily Rivera
Favio Lalvay
Tom Gardiner
Carole Mendelson
Sianna Biem
Nick Logrea
Bieje Chapman
Audrey Aney
Melissa Barthelmes
Matt Fried Colin Gribbin
Mike Leffler
Elizabeth McCormack Amelia von Jan
The General The Cadet
Dominik von Jan Joshua Hemmert
Michael Davis Olivia Farkas Aria Fortunato Jade Fuller Caiden Gribbin Mariajose Guaman Wyatt Hertlein Zev Leventhal Nadine Macaluso
Boyan Makar William McCormack Alexandra Medina Keyla Morocho Sophia O’Leary Addison Ritter Jenna Simkins Nina Slizowski Arya Sullivan
Uncle Drosselmeyer
The Mechanical Ballerina The Mechanical Soldier
Solo Mice Group Mice
Jean Logrea
Amelia Lightfoot* Cameron Virrill** Henry Hoffman
Edith Brereton Estella Fortunato Clara Macaluso Avery Reynolds
Nova Buco Maya Calderon Micha Calderon Esther Davis Hannah Gabovich
Gianni Marie Rivera Naomi Rivera Elica Schaffer Samara Thomas
Lianna Gribbin Ada Hemmert Juliette Lyandres-Sainsot Nayelii Rivera
The Mouse King
The Nutcracker Toy Soldiers
Nick Logrea Dannys Gonzalez
Elizabeth Cerulli Caiden Gribbin Annalise Hertlein Evaline Korenica Nadine Macaluso Boyan Makar William McCormack
Snow Queen Snowflakes
Ava Miser Violet Miser Amelia Mohler Amy Prashad Jenna Simkins Alanni Smith Ellie Soto Elisa Toro Franky
Audrey Aney** Sianna Biem** Cynthia Cai* Amelia Lightfoot*
with Audrey Aney* Sianna Biem* Cynthia Cai** Hailee Carter Jade Fuller Jane Gordner Elizabeth Henry Kennedy Keane
Madeline Rohde Cameron Virrill* Amelia von Jan**
Amelia Lightfoot** Annalise Lightfoot Elizabeth McCormack Olivia Mekeel Hailey O’Halloran Elisa Schatz Ava Schmidt Cameron Virrill** Amelia von Jan*
*Sat. 4:30 and Sun. 12:30 **Fri. 10:00 am, Sat. 12:30 pm, & Sun. 4:30
Arriving in the Land of Sweets, Clara is welcomed by the Sugarplum Fairy, and Clara’s most beautiful dreams come to life as a series of divertissements begin. From near and far, marvelous characters come to entertain her. Just when Clara thinks she has seen everything beautiful in the world, the Sugarplum Fairy dances with her Cavalier. Soon the Land of Sweets begins to get hazy and Clara opens her eyes to find herself in the old armchair in her parents’ house, wondering if it were all a dream.
The Sugarplum Fairy Her Cavalier
Pages Angels
Erina Tanaka Philip Perez
Edith Brereton Eva Fajardo Mia Fajardo Julia Grullon
Elizabeth Cerulli Annalise Hertlein Evaline Korenica Ava Miser Violet Miser
Eden Haab Chloe Hsieh Elaina Orfino Adriana Trustman
Amelia Mohler Amy Prashad Jenna Simkins Alanni Smith Ellie Soto
Chocolate From Spain Marzipan Reed Flutes
Madeline Rohde
Coffee From Arabia
Tea From China
Caviar From Russia
*Sat. 4:30 and Sun. 12:30
**Fri. 10:00 am, Sat. 12:30 pm, & Sun. 4:30
Cynthina Cai*
Sofia Iaderosa Annalise Lightfoot Elisa Schatz
Amelia Lightfoot** with Henry Hoffman and Katie Fried Jane Gordner Sabrina Hsieh
Elisa Toro Franky Nick Logrea
Audrey Aney*
Amelia von Jan** with Jade Fuller Favio Lalvay Alexandra Medina
Joey Chou with
Elizabeth Cerulli Katie Fried Sofia Iaderosa Kennedy Keane
Nadine Macaluso Violet Miser Amelia Mohler Ellie Soto
Left: 2021 Nutcracker at Lehman Center. Photo: Dominik von Jan
Gigue From England
Mother
Audrey Aney Sianna Biem Elizabeth Henry Amelia Lightfoot Elizabeth McCormack
Colin Gribbin
Hailey O’Halloran Madeline Rohde Ava Schmidt Cameron Virrill Amelia von Jan
Henry Hoffman with Caiden Gribbin Wyatt Hertlein
Her Clowns
Hopak From Ukraine*
Dew Drop Fairy Crystalline Flowers
* Music by Soloviev-Sedoi
Pas de Deux
Cynthia Cai
Olivia Mekeel with Alaina Franco Rebekah Gabovich Siena Gribbin Lucy Marano Alexia Mihalis
Ava Mohler Scarlett Novich Lila Onativia Adriana Trustman Natalie Woerner
Sianna Biem Hailee Carter Elizabeth Henry Hailey O’Halloran Ava Schmidt
Markian Ougrin with Elizabeth Cerulli Katie Fried Jade Fuller Jane Gordner Sabrina Hsieh Sofia Iaderosa Kennedy Keane
Annalise Lightfoot Nadine Macaluso Alexandra Medina Violet Miser Amelia Mohler Elisa Schatz Ellie Soto
Sugarplum Fairy & Her Cavalier
Elisa Schatz, Sofia Iaderosa Fritz Boyan Makar, Zev Leventhal Snowflake ............................................................ Sofia Iaderosa, Nadine Macaluso, Violet Miser Page Natalie Woerner
Clara
Chocolate From Spain ............................................................................................Sianna Biem Flute Corps Nadine Macaluso Little Chinese Sofia Iaderosa Gigue ...................................................................................................................... Hailee Carter Clown Soloist Cameron Virrill Dew Drop ............................................................................................................... Audrey Aney Flower Soloists Olivia Mekeel, Cameron Virrill Flower Corps ........................................................................................................ Jenna Simkins
BETH FRITZ-LOGREA (Artistic Director) was a protégée of Dame Alicia Markova. She received her early training in Memphis, Tennessee, with Charles Kirby and Manola Agullo. At age sixteen she joined the Metropolitan Opera Ballet and continued her career as principal dancer with Ballet Etudes Repertory Company, Connecticut, St. Gallen Stadt Theatre, Switzerland, and Opernhaus Graz, Austria. She toured Europe dancing leading roles in such ballets as Giselle, Swan Lake, Coppélia, Romeo and Juliet, and Pas de Quatre, among many others. She has served as the co-artistic director of the Westchester Ballet Company and co-director of the Logrea Dance Academy since 1986, and performed the role of the Sugarplum Fairy in the Company’s production of The Nutcracker until 1992.
JEAN LOGREA (Artistic Director) was trained at the Scoala Speciala in Cluj, Romania, in classical ballet, character, and folk dance. He was principal dancer at the Opera House Cluj, as well as a teacher at the affiliated school for nine years. He toured extensively throughout Europe and the USSR, dancing such major roles as Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet, the Jester in Swan Lake, the pas de deux from Le Corsaire, the Peasant pas de deux from Giselle, and The Rocker in The Miraculous Mandarin. Following seven years as principal dancer at Opernhaus Graz, Austria, he moved to the United States to serve as co-artistic director of WBC and co-director of the Logrea Dance Academy. He performed the role of the Cavalier in the WBC’s Nutcracker until 1992 and continues to appear as Uncle Drosselmeyer.
NICK LOGREA (Associate Artistic Director) has performed in WBC’s Nutcracker for 30 years. He has performed as a soloist in WBC productions of Les Patineurs, La Bayadère, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Peter and the Wolf, La Boutique Fantasque, Tales of Vienna, and A Glenn Miller Nutcracker Nick is a Zumba Education Specialist and has taught Master Classes in the U.S. and Europe. He has had the privilege of dancing with Beto Perez, creator of the Zumba program, as well as being featured in two Zumba Fitness video games, Zumba Fitness Core and Zumba Fitness World Party. Nick has performed many Nutcracker roles over the years. He appears as The Butler, Mouse King, and Coffee from Arabia in this year's production.
JOEY CHOU (Caviar from Russia) began his dance training at age 13. He was born in Taiwan and currently lives in Middleton, New York, where he is an instructor in classical Chinese dance at the Northern Academy. Joey has performed all over the world as a cast member of Shen Yun. We are delighted to have Joey perform with us this year.
ELISA TORO FRANKY (Snow Queen, Coffee from Arabia) is a professional dancer, teacher, and choreographer based in New York City. Born in Bogotá, Colombia, Elisa trained with Cuban mentors and traveled twice to Cuba for international ballet intensives and competitions. She came to the U.S. in 2004 to train at the Miami City Ballet School. She later danced with the Washington Ballet Studio Company, the Dance Theatre of Harlem Ensemble, and the New Jersey Ballet. Elisa currently performs with FJK Dance and works as Program Director of Accent Dance NYC, an education and performance organization that provides access to dance in underserved communities. Elisa first guested with WBC in 2016 as the Snow Queen in The Nutcracker
DANNYS GONZALEZ (The Nutcracker) is a native of Cuba. He trained and graduated from the Cuban National Ballet School in Havana. There he took master classes with Mikhail Baryshnikov and Royal Danish Ballet artistic director and dancer Frank Andersen. He began his professional career in the Cuban National Ballet and participated in the International Ballet Festival in Havana. In 2009 Gonzalez became a soloist in Ballet de Cuba company. His classical repertoire includes major roles in Swan Lake, Coppélia, Don Quixote, La Bayadère, La Sylphide, Paquita, and The Nutcracker. Gonzalez is also a teacher of classical ballet, and he has toured the world with the show Ballet Revolución. After moving to New York he trained at the Alvin Ailey School. Dannys has guested with WBC for many years.
MARKIAN OUGRIN (Ukranian Hopak) started in the niche world of Ukrainian folk dancing at the age of seven. In 2011 he began attending summer dance intensives under the artistic direction of Ania Bohachevsky-Lonkevych and Orlando Pagan. In 2018 he started formally dancing for their Manhatttan-based ensemble Syzokryli. Since then he has performed all over the tri-state area and has danced in The Nutcracker with Diamond Performance Company and Ovations Dance Academy. 2022 marks his debut performance with WBC.
PHILIP GABRIEL PEREZ (Cavalier) was born in Medellín, Colombia. At the age of seven he began attending ballet classes in New York City at the JKO School at American Ballet Theatre. He continued training there for nine years under Franco De Vita and Raymond Lukens. While in New York, he danced in numerous ABT productions at The Metropolitan Opera House. In 2010 Alexei Ratmansky cast him as the young prince in the company’s new production of The Nutcracker, a role he reprised for three years dancing opposite ABT principals. In 2015 Philip continued his training at Boston Ballet School under Peter Stark and Margaret Tracey. The following season, he joined Nashville Ballet 2. In 2017 he became a member of Colorado Ballet’s Studio Company, where he performed in Michael Pink’s Dracula, The Nutcracker, and Derek Deane’s Romeo & Juliet, as well as learned corps roles in Twyla Tharp’s Brief Fling, and Antony Tudor’s Pillar of Fire. Philip joined Boulder Ballet in 2018. In 2019 he was awarded the 2nd place silver medal at the Miami International Ballet Competition. In 2020 he danced Paul Taylor’s Airs and Christopher Wheeldon's Five Movements, Three Repeats. Philip teaches and guests with local schools and companies across the country. This is the second time that Philip is guesting with WBC in the role of Cavalier.
ERINA TANAKA (Sugarplum Fairy) began her training at age 8 in New York, with Logrea Dance Academy and WBC. At the age of 15, she was accepted into SLK Ballet School, under the direction of Sara Knight. During her training, Erina was selected for an exchange program with the English National Ballet School in London in the spring of both 2015 and 2016. She has also spent summers training at ABT, Bolshoi Ballet, and Cincinnati Ballet. Upon graduating SLK Ballet, Erina spent two years as an apprentice with Eugene Ballet in Oregon. There, she had the opportunity to perform Chocolate from Spain and the Coffee from Arabia pas de deux in Toni Pimble’s The Nutcracker as well as Cygnets in Swan Lake. She was also featured in Val Caniparoli’s Tutto Eccetto il Lavandino, Stephen Mills’ Hamlet, and Gerald Arpino’s Italian Suite. After her two-year tenure with Eugene Ballet, Erina moved to Canada to join Canada’s Ballet Jörgen as a company dancer. With Canada’s Ballet Jörgen, Erina danced featured roles such as the Sugarplum Fairy in The Nutcracker and Josie Pye in Bengt Jörgen’s production of Anne of Green Gables–The Ballet. Erina currently works as a freelance dancer based out of Denver, Colorado. It's an honor to have Erina guesting and "back home" with WBC!
Melissa Barthelmes Matt Fried Bieje Chapman
Tom Gardiner Colin Gribbin Joshua Hemmert
Mike Leffler Carole Mendelson Dominik von Jan
Left: 2018 Nutcracker at Westchester County Center
Photo: Bill Prouty
Artistic Directors Beth Fritz-Logrea Jean Logrea
Associate Artistic Director ................. Nick Logrea
Ballet Mistress ...................................... Sharyn Korey
Set Design
Leo B. Meyer Glenn Treubig Dynamic Drape & Decor
Lighting Design ..................................... Brendon Boyd
Costume Design ..................................... Mary Beth Budd
Beth Leib Pollack Inger Foster Becky Rolenz Nancy McHugh Mary Schreiber
Technical Dir. & Production Mgr. ...... Marianne Leblanc Set Execution Atlas Scenic Stage Management Jane Treubig Wardrobe Mistress Mary Beth Budd Wardrobe Lead Phuong Su
Production Consultant ........................ Joni Fritz
Videographer ......................................... Damon Catavero Photography
Performance Photography .................... Bill Prouty
Dancer Portrait Photography Rana Faure Party Guest Photography Dominik von Jan
President Amy Harte Vice President Margaret Yawman
Treasurer
Karen Lightfoot Secretary
Directors
Catharine Bruening
Tamarah Bridgewater Joan Curry Joann Daniel-Onativia Beth Fritz-Logrea Steve Geiger Amy Henry Frances Keane
Jean Logrea Nick Logrea Mariana Ljuljdjuraj Jennifer Magee Diana McCormack Michelina Trustman Katherine von Jan
Governance
Amy Henry Finance ................................................... Karen Lightfoot
Community Outreach Margaret Yawman Resource Development Mariana Ljuljdjuraj
Costumes ................................................
Margaret Yawman
Rehearsal & Volunteer Coordinator Frances Keane
Flowers Vielka Iaderosa
Girl Scout Ticket Sales ......................... Diana McCormack Boutique Isabel Rivera Playbill, Website, Social Media Amy Harte
Copy Editor............................................ Melissa Virrill
Cast Party .............................................. Amy Henry
Audrey Aney Sianna Biem Cynthia Cai Hailee Carter
Elizabeth Henry Henry Hoffman Kennedy Keane Amelia Lightfoot Elizabeth McCormack
Olivia Mekeel Hailey O’Halloran Lily Rivera Madeline Rohde Ava Schmidt
You can count on us! A reliable team, providing not just a clean and safe environment, but also all of the necessary equipment and products.
Elizabeth Cerulli
Caiden Gribbin
Sabrina Hsieh
Boyan Makar
Alexandra Medina
Amelia Mohler
Michael Davis
Eva Fajardo
Mia Fajardo
Olivia Farkas
Aria Fortunato
Alaina Franco
Rebekah Gabovich
Siena Gribbin
Julia Grullon
Mariajose Guaman
Eden Haab
Annalise Hertlein
Wyatt Hertlein
Chloe Hsieh
Evaline Korenica
Zev Leventhal
Lucy Marano
William McCormack
Alexia Mihalas
Ava Miser
Ava Mohler
Keyla Morocho
Scarlett Novich
Sophia O'Leary
Lila Onativia
Elaina Orfino
Amy Prashad
Addison Ritter
Nina Slizowski
Alanni Smith
Arya Sullivan
Adriana Trustman
Natalie Woerner
Maya Calderon Micha Calderon Esther Davis Estella Fortunato
Hannah
Clara Macaluso Avery Reynolds Gianni Marie Rivera Naomi Rivera
After a five-year hiatus from the Westchester Ballet Company stage, Hopak is back as a variation in Act II—Land of the Sweets. "Hopak" is a traditional Ukrainian dance marked by fast footwork, energetic spins, and gravity-defying leaps and flips. WBC’s Nick Logrea danced this role for many years, last appearing as Hopak in 2017. This year Ukrainian folk dancer Markian Ougrin debuts with WBC in this iconic role. The return of Hopak is especially poignant in light of the suffering and hardships faced by the people of Ukraine in their fight to preserve their national and cultural sovereignty. The Land of the Sweets reminds us that the world is comprised of a gorgeous variety of cultures and traditions and we celebrate this diversity.
The Mouse King may be the villain in The Nutcracker, but you still can’t help but root for him a little, especially when he has a tiny mouse on his back as he battles the Nutcracker. The Mouse King and the Nutcracker are the two “masked” characters in WBC’s production, and one can sympathize with the dancers in these roles as they must perform the intricacies of the choreography with compromised peripheral vision, as well as having their oxygen intake limited by their headpieces. Costumes and masks succumb to years of use, and meticulous care must be given to them to ensure they remain not only beautiful but also safe for the dancers. The Mouse King’s headpiece became a priority this year. WBC created a fundraiser for its 2021 Gala to clean and fortify it for 2022, and to create an entirely new one for 2023. This work is being done in collaboration with Broadway costume designer Amy Micallef (currently with Hamilton, Some Like It Hot, and Six), and WBC is incredibly fortunate to have her share her expertise and talent.
HOPAK IS BACK!... AS HE FLIPS AND JUMPS, WE STAND WITH UKRAINE THE MOUSE KING GETSLeft: 2021 Nutcracker at Lehman Center. Photo: Bill Prouty Above left: Amy Micallef and Nick Logrea in December 2022 Above: Nick Logrea as the Mouse King, 2019
Dear Ada and Joshua, Congratulations on your 1st Nutcracker ! It has been very special watching the both of you prepare for this performance. We are so proud of our Mouse and Cadet! Love, Mama Heloise and Emil
Dear Addison, Congratulations on your first Nutcracker performance! We know you’ve worked hard each week to get here. What a wonderful way to begin the holidays! Love you, Mom, Dad, & Audrey
Adriana, Congratulations on another year of The Nutcracker. I'm so proud of all the hard work you put in! I love you so much!!! Toi toi toi!!!! Love, Mom
Dearest Alanni, watching you dance allows us to see the symphony of your soul. Oh what a beautiful score it is. Loving you infinitely. Mom, Dad, & Nico
Dear Alexandra, Congratulations on your first time performing on pointe! We are very proud of you and love you so much! We truly admire your passion and love watching you grow into a beautiful, graceful dancer. Love, Mom and Dad
Dear Alexia, Congratulations on your 2nd Nutcracker ! We love you always and forever! Love, Mom, Dad, Rafael, and Vivian
Amelia M., We are so proud of you. The diligence and hard work shows as you perform in your eighth Nutcracker. Congratulations! Love, Mom, Dad, Ava, Aunty Tanny, and Grandma
Dear Amelia L. - Congratulations on your 11th Nutcracker !! We are so proud of your dedication, grace and grit. We can't wait to see you as Doll, Flute Solo, Snow Solo and Gigue! We love you!! -- All the Lightfeet
Wow! What a beautiful performance, Amelia v. J.! We are so happy to see you dance and bring your magic to the Nutcracker ! Congratulations! Love, Tante Tine, Aunt Bev, Mary Kay, Aunt Vicky, Uncle Mark, Alex, The Adams, Kelly, & Lindy
Bravo, Amelia V.! We are so proud of you, your outstanding perseverance, passion, joyful co-creativity with your fellow dancers, and your absolutely magical performance. You inspire us with every step on your journey. Love, Mom, Dad, Vincent, Trixie, Zooma, and Harry
Congratulations, Amelia V., We remember when you were just starting dancing, and you played The Nutcracker endlessly! Now you are here dazzling us all with your incredible talent and passion. You amaze us! We love you, Amma, & Opa
Dear Annalise H., We're so proud of you for your 5th Nutcracker ! You are a fantastic Soldier, and you will always be our Angel! We love you! Toi, toi, toi! Love, Mom and Dad
Dear Annalise L. - Congratulations on your 8th Nutcracker performance! We are so proud of your dedication, focus and grace. We are looking forward to seeing you dance Flower, Flute and Snow! We love you!! - All the Lightfeet
Annalise H. and Wyatt H. Congratulations on another wonderful performance in the Nutcracker. We always love watching you perform and are very proud of you both. We love you. Grandma and Pa La.
Dearest Aria F., We have watched your unwavering dedication over the past months, and have no doubt you will shine bright on stage. Enjoy these magical moments. We are so proud of you! Toi, Toi, Toi! Love, Mommy and Appa
Aria F. and Estella F., Congratulations on Nutcracker 2022! May your performances go well. Enjoy yourselves, and dance your hearts out! Nanny and Papa are so proud of the both of you!
Audrey, This Nutcracker season is the culmination of the most fantastic 13-year journey. Congratulations on your beautiful accomplishments! With much love and pride! Love, Mom
Ava Miser--Angel, we love you and are so proud of your accomplishment. Keep on dancing your way through life. It’s a privilege to have a front row seat to the greatest show! Love, Mom & Dad
Ava M., Congratulations on your third Nutcracker performance. We are so proud of you. Your family and friends are eager to see you in the show. Love, Mom, Dad, Aunty Tanny, and Grandma
Ava Miser, Thank you for all your hard work and for being such a good friend to your classmates and cousins. I cannot wait to see you dance in the Nutcracker this year! I love you! Nonni
Dear Ava Miser: Your style and grace show through in everything you do all of the time. The Nutcracker ballet is no exception. You danced beautifully both as an Angel and as a Soldier. Aba and Poppy are very proud.
Dear Ava S., Another amazing Nutcracker ! We love seeing your dedication and hard work expressed through the elegance and beauty of your dance. Much love to you always!
Boyan Anton, Congratulations to you Boyan on another Nutcracker performance! One of the "Nut" boys who loves to dance, smile, and perform. So proud of your commitment to the artform of ballet. Love, Mama, TATO, Ruslana & Oriana. #standwithukraine
Cameron, We are so proud of you, and dancing in your 10th Nutcracker is an amazing accomplishment. Congratulations to our Doll, Snow Soloist, and Gigue. We love you so much! Mom, Dad, and Q
Dearest Clara M., congratulations on your first Nutcracker performance! We are so incredibly proud of you. Never stop smiling and reach for the stars! Love, Mom, Dad and Enza.
Dominik! Salute to a phenomenal performance, General! We love that you bring your passion for dance to The Nutcracker with Amelia! You were dashing! Love, Katherine, Amelia, Vincent, Debbie, John, Christine, Aunt Bev, Mary Kay, D'Agostinos, Kelly, & Lindy
Eden, We are so proud of you and all that you have accomplished through your hard work, dedication and willingness to give it a go! Congratulations on your 1st Nutcracker ! We love watching you perform! Love, Mom, Dad, & Mew
Dear Edith, you have worked so hard and we are so proud of you! May you always remember twirling around as a naughty mouse and sweet page. Love, Mummy, Daddy, Albert, and Beatrice
Dear Elaina O., Watching you dance and seeing how much you improve every year is one of the highlights of Christmas time! Congratulations and best wishes to you, the pages, and the entire cast. Love, K,K,J,K,P,M,R,L,R,P
To my little Page, Elaina O., Congratulations on your third Nutcracker ! You amaze me every day with your hard work and dedication! I am so proud of you! I love you so much! Have fun and enjoy every second! Love, Mom
Elisa - we love you so much and are proud to watch you grow as a dancer and as a person, and excited to see where you go next. Keep having fun! Love, Mom, and Dad
Congratulations Ellie on your 10th Nutcracker ! Watching you progress from a tiny mouse to Snow… it has been one of our greatest joys watching you perform each year. We love you! XOXO, Mom & Da
Minha querida Elizabeth C., este é o teu 5º Nuctracker, e teu primeiro em sapatilhas de ponta! És incrível e a bailarina mais linda! Estamos tão orgulhosos de ti e adoramos-te. Beijinhos, Avó, Penny, & Pearl
Elizabeth C., your dream of being on pointe has come true! You're as sweet as an Angel, strong as a Soldier, beautiful as a Flower and playful as your Russian dance. We're so proud of you! Love, Mama, Dada, and Antonio
Elizabeth M.,Congratulations on your twelfth Nutcracker performance! You are amazing in every one. Your dedication to dance and overcoming challenges along the way are inspirational to your family and friends. "The most essential thing in dance discipline is devotion."
Dear Liz M., 12 Nutcracker s! We could not think of a better way to end this season, this year, this wonderful time well spent for over a decade. Your dedication, devotion, determination, and grace is applauded. Love, Mom, Dad, and Will
Dearest Estella, Congratulations, on your first season of Nutcracker performances! We are so proud of all your hard work and can’t wait to see you perform. Toi, Toi, Toi! Love, Mommy and Super Appa
Dear Esther, Congratulations on your first Nutcracker performance! We can't believe our little girl is already up on the big stage... We are so proud, and excited to see you continue into even bigger roles! Love, Mom and Dad
Esther, Congratulations on your first Nutcracker performance! We are so proud of your dedication and courage. Love, Nanny, Bocky, Aunt Kat, Aunt Meg, and Gage
To Eva and Mia, We are so proud of the graceful, beautiful and kind dancers you have become. Keep working hard and shining bright! Love, Mommy and Papi
Gianni, Naomi, Nayelii, Samara & all of the mice, Rising Above Boundaries is very proud of all of you! Keep reaching for the stars! Love, Kemi
Gianni Marie, Congratulations on your first Nutcracker Gigi baby! Little Ms. Solo Mouse. You make us all so very proud! We hope you enjoy every second on stage!! We love you so very much princess. xoxo Love, Mami, Dad, & Bj
Hailey, It is amazing that this is your Senior Year with WBC! There are no words! We have so much happiness over the years to watch you grow and dance in your many roles. Love you! Mom-Dad-Happy xxxooo
So Happy for you Hailey! You have had the determination, resilience and heart to continue to dance! Keep the dance close to your heart! Congratulations! We love youand are very proud of you! Mom and Dad xxoo
Dear Hanechka G., congratulations on your first role in The Nutcracker ! Enjoy every minute and remember that we love you so very much! Mama and Papa
Henry! You are so talented and we love to watch you dance! You never cease to amaze us. You are a STAR! We are forever proud of who you are, and all you do. Mom, Dad, Kendall, Ian, Lulu, Gladys.
Dear Jade, Congratulations on another wonderful year in The Nutcracker ! Your dedication, beauty, and grace is inspiring. Love, Mom, Dad, Luke, Mochi + Ginger. PS...I will try not to cry when I see you in the Snow scene. -Mom.
Dear Jade, Your smile lights up the whole stage because you are so beautiful inside and out. We love you so much, Grandma and Grandpa
Jenna Marie - Mom, Dad and Carter are so proud of your hard work and dedication with your dance. We love your smiles, laughter and sense of humor. Keep reaching for the stars and doing what you love!
You are our bright Christmas star, Jenna. Thanks to you and all the dancers for your hard work which brings us all great joy! Oma and Opa
Congratulations Julia G. on your second year in The Nutcracker ! You make our family so proud. We know you will be great like always. Much love from Papa Nelson and Mama Gre.
Open auditions for Westchester Ballet Company are held every September in Ossining at the ballet studios of Logrea Dance Academy. Dancers who are invited into the Company are placed in a Company rank and offered roles in the cast of The Nutcracker. Dancers in the upper levels are required to be enrolled in an intensive classical ballet training program and are expected to be training year-round. The Company offers needs-based financial aid and merit-based scholarships. For more information visit WestchesterBallet.org.
Dear Julia G., Thanks for being an amazing granddaughter. You have worked so hard and I'm very proud of you. I wish you the best! Papa Neney
Dear Julia G., We are so proud and happy for you on your 2nd year in the Nutcracker. We love you and always wish the best for you... remember the sky is your limit. --Mom & Dad
Julia G., We are so excited for you to be on stage again for this wonderful production! You are amazing and talented! Keep up the hard work. Love you always. Aira, Brandon, Tamaira, and Steve
Dear Juliette, Congratulations on your first Nutcracker! We are so proud of your hard work and we love watching you dance so much! Lots of love from your family!
Katie F., Congratulations on another great Nutcracker season – we can’t wait to see you in Russian, Flower and Flute! Love you, Mom, Dad, Tessa, and Joey
Kennedy, We are overjoyed with your accomplishment of becoming a snow flake. So excited for you. We love you deeply. Mom, Dad and sis Malia
Dear Lila, our favorite clown. Congratulations on your third Nutcracker. May you continue to shine both on the stage and in life. We love you. Mom, Dad and Naomi
1870 East Main Street (Rt. 6) Mohegan Lake, NY 10547
(914) 526-8380
Susan E. Wylock, Owner msdancewear@yahoo.com
Lila, Congratulations on being in The Nutcracker. We chartered a bus from St. Catharine's Church in Blauvelt to see you and the cast in the Nutcracker. We are so happy for you. Congratulations to the Westchester Ballet Company! Love, Pop Pop
Lila, Congratulations on your third year in the Nutcracker. We are very proud of you. We know how hard you worked on your part. Love, Grandma Sixta & Pop Pop
Lila, We are so proud of you and know you will do a wonderful job! We hope you have fun and enjoy the experience! We love you, Auntie Heather, Uncle BJ, Cousin Isis
Lily, Congratulations!!! We are so proud of you and wish we could see you play Clara in person! We are there in spirit! Much love from Seattle! Break a leg! Love always- Titi Libby, Uncle Anthony, Jordon & David!
Lily, from Page, Party Child, Clown, Flower, Little Chinese, Solo Clown, Snow and Doll, to CLARA!! Enjoy every moment! We are so so proud of you! We love you!! Mom, Dad and Christian XOXO
Lily, I can remember the day I told you (10 years ago) "one day, you can be Clara" and here you are!! I love your drive, passion & devotion. My sweet Lily, never change. Be YOU, keep dancing! Love Mom
Lily, Words can't express how proud we are of you. Your success is the result of your passion and dedication and you're an inspiration to us all! Break a leg! We love you! Love, tio Ralph, titi Michelle & Joey
Our sweet granddaughter, Lily, we are so proud of you. We cherish these performances every year! Thank you for keeping us on our toes (literally) in the kitchen, living room, garage, you name it! We love you Vovó & Vovô
Dear Maddie R., So proud of your many years of hard work and dedication (and sweetness, like Chocolate from Spain)! Thanks for bringing us into the beauty and magic of the Nutcracker. Enjoy! Love, your super proud family
Dear MJ, We are so proud to see you as a party child this year! Your progress in ballet is so impressive, and we can't wait to see what you'll do next! Love, Mom and Dad
MJ, Congratulations on another successful Nutcracker season. What commitment and maturity you have demonstrated in your second year! We are so proud of you. Love, Nanny, Bocky, Aunt Kat, Aunt Meg, and Gage
Break a leg, MJ and Esther! Love, Mimi and PopPop
Nadine, You are going to be amazing! Knock 'em dead! Have fun! I love you! Luci
Nadine, Congratulations! We are so proud of you! The stage shines when you dance! Keep calm and dance on!! Love from Mom & Dad
Dear Naomi & Nayelii, Congratulations on making it this far and sticking to it. We are so proud of you both. Make sure to have fun and always remember we love you more than anything. Love, Your Family
Dear Natalie, We are so proud of you and your hard cartwheeling work this year! Congratulations - we are excited to see you onstage again! Love, Mom, Dad, Olivia, and Ethan
Nina - Congratulations on your first Nutcracker performance! We are so proud of you and you are going to do great! Enjoy the experience—we know this is the beginning of something wonderful! Love Mom, Dad & Lily
Nina - we are so proud of you and all of your hard work. Congratulations on your first Nutcracker, we know you will be a wonderful Party Child! Enjoy the experience. Love Grandma & Grandpa
Nova, We are so proud of our sweet little mouse! Wonderful job on your first Nutcracker Nova! Love, Mama, Daddy, & Aurora
Olivia M., We are all so proud and happy for you! Another amazing Nutcracker performance! You practiced long hours with patience and grace and performed beautifully!! Continue to light up the stage! Congratulations! Love, Mom, Grandma, Thelma, & Hazel
Our Darling Olivia F., Congratulations on your first Nutcracker! We hope you had fun being a Party Girl! You're an amazing dancer! We're so proud of you! Keep up the hard work! Nagyon szeretünk! Anya, Apa és Christopher
Dear Rebekah G., Congratulations on your first role in the Nutcracker! Enjoy every minute and remember that we love you so very much! Mama and Papa
Sabrina H. - Congratulations on your 7th Nutcracker!!! We are so so proud of you and can't wait to watch the culmination of all of your hard work and long hours of dedication! Love, Daddy, Mommy and Natalie
Dear Samara, Good Luck to my lil' Mouse. Mommy is so proud of you. Keep it up so we can get those pointe shoes.
Dear Scarlett! You are a joy to watch! We are so proud of you - our sweetest little clown! Love, Mommy, Daddy, and Eli
Dear Sianna, Congratulations on your final WBC Nutcracker! You have grown into an exceptional and beautiful dancer - starting as solo mouse to several solo performances today. We love you and are so proud of you!
Daddy, Mommy, and Adia
Sofia I., Felicitaciones! Eres una excelente y dedicada bailarina, estamos orgullosos de todos tus logros. Te queremos con todo nuestro corazón y siempre pediremos a Dios para que te cuide. Un abrazo de Tata y Nana
Sofia I., I love you and thank you for being the best sister a puppy could ask for- Suzie Have a great Nutcracker! Love- Ben
Sofia I., You are so full of grace and beauty. We are so proud of your dedication and grit. May you always be blessed with joy and passion for dance and life. We love you very much. Mama and Papá
Violet M., Wiggles, watching you grow and bloom into the graceful young woman before us has been our greatest joy. The light within you radiates each time you take the stage. Keep shining bright baby girl. Love, Mom and Dad
Dear Violet M; Amazing! Your years of effort have allowed you to become an apprentice member of the Senior Company. Your performance as a Flower, Russian, Soldier and Angel were all beautiful and truly memorable. Aba and Poppy loved it.
GARDEN DESIGN, PLANTING, & MAINTENANCE
Sleepy Hollow, NY margaret.motion@icloud.com (914) 815-1288
1983 Crompond Road
Cortlandt Manor, NY 10567 (914) 739-6400 glaserorthodontics.com
Violet, What a privilege it is to watch you grow into the graceful young ballerina you have become. I cannot wait to see each of your Nutcracker performances in December! I love you! Nonni
Dear Will M., Congratulations on your 5th Nutcracker. Party Child and Soldier?-Perfect! From a great dancer; "Do it big, do it right and do it with style." Enjoy every moment and fly...With love, Gemma and Papa John
Will M., How proud we are of your spirit and commitment! Keep on dancing and work hard! Enjoy the party! Love, Mom, Dad, & Liz
Dear Wyatt H., Congratulations on your 3rd Nutcracker ! You delight the audience in the Party Scene! You always make us laugh, a perfect Jester! We love you! Toi, toi, toi! Love, Mom and Dad
Dear Zev L ., We are so proud of you. We delight in your every move. Congratulations for continuing the family tradition. Love, Mom and Dad
Dear Audrey, Amelia L ., Sianna , longtime friends. Such fun times at class, activities, and at summer intensives with Liz. Congratulations on your final WBC Nutcracker ! This is not good-bye, just a "see you soon!" Love, The McCormacks
To Audrey, Sianna, Cynthia, Hailee, Hailey, Amelia L., Liz, Olivia, Maddie, and Amelia v. J.: I’ve known most of you for more than a decade. I’m wishing you all the best as you head off to the next exciting stage of your life. Thank you for growing up with us!--Amy Harte
Congratulations to the cast and crew of the WBC 2022 Nutcracker. A special mention to our departing Seniors… Thank you for your dedication to WBC and creating lasting memories for so many! Amy Henry, WBC Board Member
Good luck to all of you dancers performing this year!! To our mice, great to have you on the stage this year. To the older dancers thank you for teaching, mentoring, inspiring and giving our younger dancers wonderful role models!--The Simkins Family
Mrs. Logrea, Mr. Logrea, and Nick, thank you so much for everything you've taught our daughter. Logrea Dance Academy and the WBC have had lasting positive effects on Liz, and we cannot wait for what her future holds. -The McCormacks
To the Logrea Family--Thank you for yet another amazing Nutcracker season and performance! Your teaching and guidance you have shared with these dancers is amazing. Thank you for all you do! Love from all of the WBC dancers
A huge thank you to Amy, Margaret, Mariana, Phuong, Diana, Melissa V., Frances and all of those who have dedicated hours and hours of their time to make this such a successful and thriving performance. Thank you is not enough! From the Simkins Family
To the LOGREAS: CONGRATULATIONS! THANK YOU!--The Senior Ballet Class!
To all the parents, thank you for partnering with Westchester Ballet Company so that we can make this big, beautiful endeavor possible. Your volunteerism and generosity makes this gift of the arts possible for all of our children and the community-at-large. —Westchester Ballet Company Board of Directors
To the Squad: Margaret , my native perennial who never fails to find that sliver of sunshine, THANK YOU for making everything you touch bloom! Mariana , my bon vivant and master of calm, thank you for staying in the game and raising the bar for all we try to accomplish. Lady Grammar Wordsworth (aka "Keeper of the Semi-colon), nobody has better commas (or semi-colons) than you and for that I am truly grateful. Frances, deepest gratitude for all that you do to manage @rehearsals and SUG. It's a big job and you do it with grace.--AEH.
Fully Licensed & Insured Electrical Service
ANDY GONZALEZ President AndyG@Agelectricny.com
Westchester Ballet Company wishes to express our deepest gratitude to the individuals and businesses whose contributions support the Company's dancers, ticket affordability, and community outreach programs.
(Listing contributions from December 17, 2021 - December 5, 2022.)
CMIT Solutions of White Plains
The Geiger Stern Team at William Raveis
Lanza Family Foundation
Anne Marie & John O'Halloran
River Towns Media White Plains Hospital
Angelica Cammarota Jewelry
Balancing 4 Life Barrie House Coffee Bedford House
BESPOKE Treatments Physical Therapy Tamarah Bridgewater Bronca Ciao Restaurant
Connor McGinn Studios
Dodd's Wines & Spirits
Donato's Trattoria
Eiluj Beauty
Elements Massage White Plains
Family Veterinary Care of Ossining
First Village Coffee
Flames Bar and Grill
Garden Fairy
GG Cakes
Gloria Nails & Spa
Grace Lane Kennels
Gretchen Scott
Amy Harte
Hair Hause
Hudson Valley Books for Humanity
Jacob Burns Film Center
Katherine and Dominik von Jon
Katonah Art & Frame Shop
Katonah Eye Care
Katonah Wine & Liquor Store
Kimberly House
Nick Logrea
Makers Central
Manor Wines & Spirits
March Boutique
Maya Taqueria
Melita's Home Furnishings
Mike Risko Music
Nadine's Restaurant
Nancy's Natural Habitats
Orangetheory Fitness Tuckahoe
Ossining Wines & Liquor
Peace, Love & Ebba
Penny & Ting
Peppino's Ristorante
Pleasantville Music Festival
Pubstreet
Ramella's Canine Academy Relax to Rejuvenate Repertoire Dance Shop River Towns Media Shine Salon + Spa Sing Sing Kill Brewery
Soul Brewery
Aaron Stern Theater O
The Village Bookstore
The Whitlock
Wondrous Things
Yaranush Mediterranean Foods Margaret and Dave Yawman
Zumba Fitness
ZWILLING Cooking Studio
$1000 AND UP
Frances Boschulte-Keane
Ari Brandsdorfer
Catharine & Mark Bruening
Joan O. Curry
Joann Daniel-Onativia & Joe Onativia
Amy Harte & Martin Hossfeld
Amy & Joe Henry
Karen & Paul Lightfoot
Logrea Dance Academy
Mariana & Robert Ljuljdjuraj
David Lyons
Jennifer Magee
Kathryn Merrick Diamond
Katherine & Dominik von Jan Margaret & Dave Yawman
$500 - $999
Amelia Banino
Maria & John Simkins
$100 - $499
Ana-Maria Aney
Alexandra Ballard
Lisa Berishaj
Christine A. Black
Nicole Boutmy de Katzmann & Richard Christopher Whalen
Dr. Michael D. Cabana
Brian and Celia Carroll
Roberta Cera
Jen Cogliantry
Christina Coiro Powell
Victoria Dagostino
Kent Fikrig
Fortunato-Park Family
Esther L. Harte
Jessica Irons
Nikhil Jagga
Ruthie Kalai
Angela N. Lamartino
Rosemary T. Lee
John P. Leonforte
Kristina Lindbergh
Peter and Susan MacGill
Antonia J. Martinez
Diana McCormack
Gina Medina
Mekeel Family
Melissa Miser
Melissa Mitchum
Palmida Montano
Douglas Mooney
Anne Marie & John O'Halloran
Midori Oka Slim Ould Ali
Susan Portes
Anu Ramachandran
Joseph Snyder
Katie Sobolik
Maristela Souza
Ann Spindel
Anita Suchdeo
Melissa Sullivan
Paul Jaime Tetrault
Henry Welt
Karen Zanzarella Andrea Ziegelman
$25 - $99
Melissa A. Barthelmes
Sakurako Biem
Melinda P. Bingham
Julianna Brown
Kira Bueti
Dana Castellano
Carla Cerulli
Carolyn Ciffone
Jeanne Claire Cotnoir
Ralph and Jeanellen Corvino
Shawn K. Cribari
Michele Durrang
B.K. Fischer
Felicia Fisher
John W. Fried
Wendy Goetz
Lisa Goodrich Zedlovich
Gregory Grieger
Toni M. Grosso
Caridad Guerrero
Kara Hertz
Jacqueline Hoffman
Mary Jane Houdina
Chalsen House
Cynthia Izoldi
Christine Janick
Susanne Jones
V.S. Kemanis
Mindy Kerman
KINOSAITO, Inc.
Irene Laboy
Lynne Labrador
Towny Lathrop
Renee Lavadiere
Norma Macaluso
Marcel and Tini Magens
Dr. Gayle Marchica
Nancy Mattinson
Tara Matzan-Fried
Carole Mendelson
Jessica Miranda Niketa Mohler
Rachel Murphy
Lisa Nichols
Viviana O'Leary
Ling Ou
Kate Paletta
Nancy Parra
Christine Piucci
Denise A. Rempe
Home Riche Isabel Rivera
Daniel Rodriguez
Christine Rohde
Vanessa Rose
Diane Schwartz
Margery A. Selfridge
Robert Sendlenski
Nanci Silverman
Colin Smith
Adrienne Stroud
Phuong Su
Michael Sullivan Michele Title
Damian Travier
Jane R. Treubig
Melissa Virrill
Laurie Warager
Rosalinda Weiner
Maria & Robert Weyrauch
Justin Wingenroth
Michelle Woerner
Lenora Zeitchick
WBC is busy throughout the year, active in the schools and the local community, promoting events and learning opportunities for diverse audiences. We invite you to scan the QR codes with your smartphone to learn more about WBC's mission, its dancers, upcoming performances, and ongoing community outreach programs.
WBC's first performances in 2023 are scheduled for February 3, 4, & 5 in Katonah, New York. Our senior company dancers will perform in a project titled, Got My Wings, a collaboration with musician Daniel Blake, choreographer Tomiko Magario, and the Creative Arts Alliance. This project is inspired by the writings of Jarvis Jay Masters. It is a response piece in support of prison reform advocacy, with a focus on how creative art, education, and spiritual mentorship can make a pivotal difference in the lives of incarcerated people. Visit GotMyWings.org to learn more.
The generosity of our 2022 Nutcracker sponsors made it possible for more than 2,000 school children to attend the Special Matinee Performance of The Nutcracker on December 16, 2022.
Our sponsors understand the important role that the arts play in the community—in building connections, breaking down barriers, and promoting a robust and healthy society. Their engagement helps to ensure that there is arts access and affordability for all.
TO JOIN OUR DISTINGUISHED LIST OF CORPORATE SPONSORS, CONTACT: amy.harte@westchesterballet.org
