Yuba-Sutter dancers hit Sacramento stage in 'Nutcracker'

Our community may be small when compared to the city that is home to our state capital. But Yuba-Sutter boasts a troupe of at least 33 young ballet students who will perform in the Sacramento Ballet's 24th annual production of "The Nutcracker," directed by Ron Cunningham and with live music by the Sacramento Philharmonic, which premieres Dec. 9 and runs through Dec. 23 in Sacramento.

Yuba City's Studio B Academy of Ballet has 23 dancers cast in "The Nutcracker" this year: Alyssa Aguirre, Delaney Amarel, Reese Berry, Katie Blair, Alexa Bravos, Sarah Cabigas, Aiden Conroy, AnnaRose Davis, Emily Delman, Darrian Dimalanta, Kelsey Geweke, Trinity Gomes, Jamie Guthrie, Meghan Guthrie, Katherine Hay, Hunter Heard, Claira Mincer, Kendyll Naso, Caitlyn Perry, Grace Perry, Alexandra Unpingco, Alexana Voudouris and Bella Zucco.

"I do encourage them to go and audition just to learn the audition process and learn what that feels like," said Studio B owner Jilleen Foy-Menghini. "The experience they have dancing on that stage with professional dancers is very inspiring to the kids. They get to see the real process.

"For a lot of them, it's something that they are wanting to do further down the line in their life. So it's a really good opportunity for them to see what it's like to be in the profession," Foy-Menghini said.

Bella, 9, who studies ballet at Studio B, said this is her second time being in "The Nutcracker": "It's really fun because of all of the costumes and all of the merry. I've been dancing for more than half my life, so I've gotten used to it and feel great dancing on stage. It's just really fun. When we're practicing, it's not hard at all. Some of the steps may be challenging, but I try anyway."

Jacque's Dance Expressions, also located in Yuba City, has four dancers cast this year: Tierzah Chan, Samantha Chizek, Autymn Fox, and Aryssa Montoya.

Janelle Brady, ballet instructor at Jacque's Dance Expressions, said, "Being able to be in such a renowned production enables these children to see that even though we are in a small community, they can be part of a much bigger production. It's just such a nice opportunity for them and an entirely positive and enriching experience.

"I think the whole experience of the commitment to rehearsals, the experience of being with many other dancers who they don't know within their own little studios — it broadens their awareness of how many people are involved in a production, including all of the backstage people, all of the costume makers," Brady said.

"It enriches them because it shows them a much bigger picture than just learning dance. It really opens up their world," she added.

Tierzah, 8, who is student at Jacque's Dance Expressions, said this is her second time dancing in "The Nutcracker": "It's fun to dance on stage — I don't get scared when there are people in the audience. It's a lot of work, but I hope to be in 'The Nutcracker' again next year."

Foy-Menghini, whose parents operated Foy Dance Studio locally for about 40 years, said, "I am very proud that so many of my students were inspired to want to go and do a ballet like 'The Nutcracker.' It just blew my mind to have 23 students in there.

"It is a big commitment. But I think the kids have a good time and create a really great comraderie driving down back and forth to rehearsals. They get to know each other as friends by spending so much time together," Foy-Menghini said.

Six other young "Nutcracker" dancers identified by SacBallet as being from the Yuba-Sutter area include: Gannon Blake, Savannah Burciaga, Corrina Rodacker, Jillian Harrington, Elijah Neal and Serrah-Gayle Neal.

Gannon, who is 6 years old, said this was his first time dancing in "The Nutcracker": "It wasn't scary to try out because it's fun."

"I think it's nice for them to have the opportunity to work with different choreographers and different teachers. And, of course, there's nothing like the thrill of performing for such a large audience in a beautiful theater. (The children) come back with stories that they share with their friends, and it just makes the holidays sparkle," Brady said.

CONTACT Susan Benitez at 749-4773.