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Nov/Dec 2018
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Amaya Joseph becomes the first African American Clara in the Nutcracker
Orlando celebrates Diversity at Fusion Fest Perhaps it began when Mayor Jacobs asked Terry Olson to investigate ways to show Orange County’s support for diversity. Perhaps it began years before when Olson, as the County’s “ambassador” for arts and culture, would help some of the ethnic cultural organizations come together. But it probably began when Sam Roberts of the Caribbean American Passport and Yves Bouele of the African Leaders Council approached Mr. Olson about creating some kind of international event.
Amaya Joseph (whose parents are from the U.S. Virgin Islands) is the first African American to play Clara the iconic role of a young heroine who journeys to the Land of Sweets in the Nutcracker. Amaya started dancing at the age of 3 and has been dancing ever since. Amaya and and her alternate Cristina Sotolongo Orlando Ballet, including recently promoted David Wright, round out the rest of the cast, representing the new face of ballet, one Continued on Pg 13
In November 2016, about 40 people from various backgrounds gathered to brainstorm the best way to share our heritages. A festival and parade were the top choices. Continued on Page 5
