November 17, 2006

Evergreen’s San Jose Youth Ballet presents “The Nutcracker”

By Lorraine Gabbert
Staff Writer

Continuing a joyous holiday tradition, the San Jose Youth Ballet will present, “The Nutcracker,” at Evergreen Valley Performing Arts Center. This spirited staging features local performers, as well as professionals from the San Francisco Ballet.

Clara watches in amazement as the Sugar Plum Fairy dances with the Nutcracker during a performance of “The Nutcracker,” by the San Jose Youth Ballet.

“What’s really amazing about this production is that it brings families together,” said San Jose Youth Ballet (SJYB) founder Magdalene Parungao-Ferla. “We have complete families, parents and children involved in the cast.”

Volunteer Coordinator Jennifer McKennan is delighted with SJYB’s rendition of “The Nutcracker.”

“This production is just incredible,” said McKennan. “When I watched it last year, I had tears in my eyes, it was so beautiful. The talent of the kids shone through. The costumes and sets are beautiful.”

A company with heart
The San Jose Youth Ballet strives to bring a high caliber of classical ballet and contemporary dance to aspiring dancers. Since its inception in 2003, it has continued to grow, with their production of “The Nutcracker” including about 100 cast members.

A former ballerina herself, McKennan is impressed with the training provided by SJYB directors and professional dancers Magdalene Parungao-Ferla and Xavier Ferla.

“The quality of dance they get out of the children is phenomenal,” she said. “They give the children an opportunity to perform in a professional production and inspire them to be the best they can be.”

McKennan also enjoys watching children’s eyes light up at the Sugar Plum Party following the show.

“Children can go onstage and meet Clara in person and have their pictures taken with cast members,” she said. “It’s a way for them to feel like a part of it.”

Bringing the story to life
Based upon, “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,” written by E.T.A. Hoffman, “The Nutcracker,” is the story of Clara, a young German girl who dreams that her Nutcracker doll comes to life, defending her in a fierce battle against a Mouse King. Along the way, they journey through the enchanted Land of Snow, a wonderland of dancing snowflakes, and the Land of Sweets, where they are greeted by the Sugar Plum Fairy. After hearing of the Nutcracker’s daring feats, she rewards the pair with a celebration of dances from around the world. Finally, Clara awakens from her dream with her beloved Nutcracker by her side.

The ballet, first performed in 1892 at the Mariinsky Theatre in Russia, was choreographed by Marius Petipa, based upon a revision by Alexander Dumas, with music composed by Peter Tchaikovsky. Since its introduction to American audiences by Ballet Russe in the 1940s, “The Nutcracker” has become a Christmas classic, performed in cities across the country.

While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads
McKennan believes that dancing builds life skills, increasing students’ self-esteem, as well as poise, grace and discipline.

“When they perform onstage before an audience, they have big smiles on their faces,” she said. “They love it and feel good about themselves.”

Parungao-Ferla agrees.

“In addition to learning the skills of dance, it develops them as people,” she said. “It teaches them confidence, commitment and perseverance.”

Playing the lead role of the Sugar Plum Fairy this year is Kristina Lind (15), who has been invited to study with the San Francisco Ballet.

“Kristy is incredibly talented,” said McKennan. “She dances as well as a professional.”

Lind, who has danced with SJYB since she was 5, hopes to dance professionally and has received full scholarships from both the New York City and San Francisco Ballet. This is her first year dancing the Pas De Deux with the Nutcracker, roles usually reserved for professionals.

“I’m drawn to the challenge of always improving,” said Lind, “and I like performing. I like going out there and doing my best. When the audience is happy, I’m happy.”

Lind, who takes classes seven days a week, enjoys participating in “The Nutcracker.”

“All the cast works really hard to make it as good as they can,” she said. “It’s a really fun holiday experience.”
Lind also appreciates Parungao-Ferla’s efforts.

“The productions always have a polished look,” she said. “It’s a great atmosphere and a really great place to spend most of my time.”

“It’s huge for us because she’s homegrown,” added Parungao-Ferla.

Another dancer of note is Cody Gibson, who is performing the roles of the Arabian Princess and the Snow Queen.

“These are both roles usually performed by professionals,” she said. “These girls are ready and they look stunning. They’re amazing performers.”

However, to Parungao-Ferla, there are no small parts.

“We have amazing talent,” she said.

Dancers at SJYB become close friends, with some families even taking vacations together. “Kids are here because they love it,” said Parungao-Ferla.

Dedication is not in short supply, with dancers practicing for their performance for months on end, and parents fundraising, building sets and sewing costumes.

“There’s a magical connection,” said Parungao-Ferla. “It all comes together with everyone sharing their talents.”

Parungao-Ferla appreciates the involvement of the community in their production and would like to see more arts developed and supported in Evergreen.

“Our ballet is really a hidden jewel,” she said. “I’m just happy that I’m part of it and can share what I love.”

The SJYB will perform “The Nutcracker” on December 16, at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m., and on December 17, at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. at the Evergreen Valley High School Performing Arts Center, 3300 Quimby Road, San Jose. Tickets, which cost $18 to $25 for the show, and $7 for the Sugar Plum Party, are available at: www.brownpapertickets.com or by phone at: 1-800-838-3006. For information on the SJYB, please email them at: DTIdance@sbcglobal.net or by phone at: 408.270.7592.