2023 Footworks Youth Ballet Presents The Nutcracker by FYBVentura

presents

The Nutcracker

Artistic Director, Kirsten Oakley

Ventura College Performing Arts Center Friday, December 15, 2023 • 7 p.m. Saturday, December 16, 2023 • 1 p.m. & 5 p.m. Sunday, December 17, 2023 • 1 p.m.

Contents Mission Statement.................................................... 4 The Nutcracker Synopsis ......................................... 5 Cast List......................................................................... 7 Biographies.................................................................. 9 Leadership and Crew............................................... 21 Board of Directors..................................................... 22 Donors........................................................................... 23 Community Supporters.......................................... 24 Rehearsal Assistants................................................. 25 Volunteer Appreciation........................................... 26 The Fabric of Footworks.......................................... 28 Fingerworks Fundraising........................................ 29 Reaching Our Community..................................... 30 Dedications.................................................................. 33 In Memorium.............................................................. 36 Save the Dates............................................................ 37

Footworks Youth Ballet Presents

The Nutcracker Music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Directed and Choreographed by Kirsten Oakley Based on the story by E.T.A. Hoffman

Ventura College Performing Arts Center Friday, December 15, 2023 Saturday, December 16, 2023 Sunday, December 17, 2023

Oakley Ballet Center Official Training Facility of Footworks Youth Ballet 1594 Saratoga Ave, Unit A, Ventura, CA 93003 www.footworksyouthballet.org

Mission Statement Our purpose is to provide educational opportunities to young people in the art of ballet. More specifically, the mission of Footworks Youth Ballet is to develop and enhance every student’s love and appreciation for the art of ballet; to do so by offering all students an opportunity to perform in live ballet performances; to provide serious ballet students who aspire to a professional career in dance the opportunity to develop their artistry and refine their ballet technique while performing on stage; to encourage young aspiring choreographers by providing nurturing workshops and choreographic opportunities under the mentorship of dance professionals; to widen life’s opportunities for all students and encourage them to meet life’s challenges and opportunities with confidence and self-esteem developed through the discipline of ballet.

The Nutcracker Act One The Party It is Christmas Eve at the Stahlbaum Residence and preparations are in place for the annual holiday festivities. The guests soon enjoy dances, gifts and refreshments. The merriment is interrupted by the arrival of Herr Drosselmeyer, Clara Stahlbaum’s godfather. Herr Drosselmeyer appears quite unexpectedly, bringing gifts for the Stahlbaum family along with his newest inventions: two life-sized dolls to entertain the children. The party children are enchanted and beg Herr Drosselmeyer for one of the dolls. As a surprise for Clara, Herr Drosselmeyer brings forth a special gift: a wooden nutcracker dressed like a Royal soldier. Clara loves it immediately, but Fritz grabs the nutcracker and breaks it. Clara is devastated. Herr Drosselmeyer repairs the nutcracker. Everyone joins in for one last stately dance before the party draws to a close. The Battle Later that night, as Clara sleeps, the mice interrupt her dreams just before the clock strikes midnight. Herr Drosselmeyer mysteriously appears. He beckons to the mice, and then casts a magic spell. The mice transform into rats, the toy soldiers come to life, and all are as tall as Clara. Her nutcracker is transformed to life-size, and miraculously appears to lead the soldiers against the rats and their Rat King. Clara looks on as the rats and soldiers battle. Frightened that the Rat King will kill the Nutcracker, Clara pulls the Rat King’s tail. As the Rat King turns to strike Clara, the Nutcracker hits the Rat King with one fatal blow. The soldiers are victorious, but Clara is left sad, alone and afraid. Transformation - Journey Through the Snow Suddenly, the Sugar Plum Fairy appears and tells Clara not to be frightened. They travel together, accompanied by sweet cherubs and angel escorts through the Land of Snow on their way to the Sugar Plum Fairy’s magical kingdom - the Land of Sweets.

Intermission Head to the lobby at intermission to purchase a Candygram for $1 for your dancer! We will deliver the Candygram with your personal message and a special treat backstage to your dancer during Act 2. Proceeds benefit Footworks Youth Ballet.

Act Two Land of Sweets

Aware that Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy are on their way, the Land of the Sweets’ Angels and Attendants come together and dance in preparation for their arrival. All of the Sugar Plum Fairy’s subjects arrive to welcome her back home and to meet her distinguished guest. The Sugar Plum Fairy regales the court with a colorful account of the battle between the soldiers and the rats. The Sugar Plum Fairy then invites Clara to sit on her throne so her subjects might entertain her. The guest of honor is treated to dances by Spanish Chocolate, Cooks, Candy Hoops, Arabian Coffee, Russian dancers, Shepherdess and Lambs, Ribbon Candy, Gingerbread Cookies, and finally the Flowers and their Dew Drop. As the festivities come to a close, the dancers celebrate in an energetic culminating farewell. As they begin to fade away, so does Clara’s dream.

The End

Cast List Winter 2023

Fritz

Taylor Corcoran

Clara

Vivienne Grande

Nanny

Nicola Hammond

Maid

Felicity Squire

Mother Stahlbaum

April Boland

Father Stahlbaum

Chad Hammond

Drosselmeyer

Hai Cohen

Brie Cheatham Ava Mohror Avery Palmieri Emerson Voshell

The Nutcracker

Party Parents Mark Corcoran Jeff Mohror Chris Palmieri Tom Voshell

Amelie Birkett Francesca Camilon Mia Freeman Gabriela Kovacevic Sol Luna Zoe Phillip-Gibbs Nila Slusarenko Ava Smith Ari White Alice Squire Sugar Plum Fairy

Charlotte Cornes Soldiers

Stella Briggs Taylor Corcoran Alexa Kovacevic Charlotte Levin Lennon Nichols Kahlan Prouse Findley Smiley Maddie Usery Izabella Tretko Nicola Hammond

Snow Queen Ava Mohror with Snow Corps de Ballet Bailey Basurto April Boland Lillian Carroll Brie Cheatham Finley Colavito Charlotte Cornes Mia Earley April Johnson Avery Palmieri Trudy Ragsdale Felicity Squire Hazel Van Orman Emerson Voshell

Party Girls

Francesca Camilon Gabriela Kovacevic Kahlan Prouse Findley Smiley Madeline Usery Party Boys Amelie Birkett Lennon Nichols Zoe Phillip-Gibbs Ava Smith Sleigh Helmsman Finn Birkett Alice Squire Izabella Tretko Sleigh Pages Columbine Doll Bailey Basurto Alina Schulback Autumn Storts Maddie Yamamoto Harlequin Doll Lillian Carroll Angel Escorts Rat King Lillian Carroll Kaitlyn Seymour Felicity Squire Brie Cheatham Mia Earley Trudy Ragsdale Kaitlyn Seymour Autumn Storts Hazel Van Orman

Rats

Finley Colavito April Johnson Alina Schulbach Felicity Squire Molly Strouse Maddie Yamamoto

Cherubs Friday/Saturday Matinee: Evelyn Scherer Everly Withers Saturday Evening/Sunday: Camille Duval Davy Nichols

Clara

Vivienne Grande

Sugar Plum Fairy

Nicola Hammond

Sleigh Helmsman

Finn Birkett

Kaitlyn Seymour

Angel Escorts

Arabian Coffee April Boland and Hai Cohen with Bailey Basurto Lillian Carroll Finley Colavito Charlotte Cornes Avery Palmieri Emerson Voshell

Felicity Squire

Mia Earley Trudy Ragsdale Autumn Storts Maddie Yamamoto

Cherubs Friday/Saturday Matinee: Evelyn Scherer Everly Withers

Ava Johnson Parker Corning Sage Gibson Lillian Duval Matilda Milaszewic Grace Philipp-Gibbs Lucy Mussard Finley Waldron

Margo England Vivienne Evans Daleyza Gonzales Harlow Becker Avery Pimentel Katerina Baehr Emilia Garcia Sophie Rek

Bailey Basurto Finley Colavito

Land of Sweets Attendants Brie Cheatham with Amelie Birkett Stella Briggs Francesca Camilon Taylor Corcoran Mia Freeman Alexa Kovacevic Gabriela Kovacevic Lennon Nichols Nila Slusarenko Ava Smith Madeline Usery Ari White

Harlow Becker Parker Corning Margo England Sage Gibson Ava Johnson Charlotte Levin Alice Squire

Spanish Chocolate Bailey Basurto with April Boland Brie Cheatham Charlotte Cornes Ava Mohror Mia Earley Trudy Ragsdale

Cooks

April Johnson Alina Schulbach Molly Strouse

Shepherdess Avery Palmieri with Lillian Carroll Felicity Squire Hazel Van Orman Emerson Voshell with Lambs Amelie Birkett Zoe Phillip-Gibbs Kahlan Prouse Findley Smiley

Saturday Evening/Sunday: Camille Duval Davy Nichols Angels

Russian

Ribbon Candy Ava Mohror with Brie Cheatham Charlotte Cornes Gingerbreads

Finn Birkett Lillian Duval Vivienne Evans Daleyza Gonzalez Alexa Kovacevic Sol Luna Izabella Tretko Naughty Ginger Findley Smiley

Waltz of the Flowers Dew Drop April Boland with Bailey Basurto Lillian Carroll Brie Cheatham Finley Colavito Charlotte Cornes April Johnson Ava Mohror Avery Palmieri Felicity Squire Trudy Ragsdale Hazel Van Orman Emerson Voshell Grande Finale Entire Cast

April Johnson Molly Strouse

Candy Hoops Brie Cheatham with Francesca Camilon Taylor Corcoran Lennon Nichols Alina Schulbach Autumn Storts Maddie Yamamoto

Artistic Director Kirsten Oakley

Kirsten Oakley is the artistic director of Footworks Youth Ballet, director of the Oakley Ballet Center and a native of Ventura. Kirsten trained at Westside Ballet in Santa Monica with Yvonne Mounsey. She started her professional career as a member of the Milwaukee Ballet. She also danced with the Chicago Lyric Opera, Milwaukee Dance Theater and Et toi, tu dances? (Ballet Wisconsin). Kirsten opened the Oakley Ballet Center in 1998 with the mission of providing top-quality classical ballet instruction in a positive environment. Kirsten’s focus on instilling her students with sound technique and a positive self-image has resulted in many successes. Her students have attended notable summer programs including the School of American Ballet, the Pacific Northwest Ballet School, the San Francisco Ballet School, the Boston Ballet School and many others. Alumni of her school have continued to dance in professional companies like Ballet West and Oakland Ballet Company, advanced training programs such as Pacific Northwest Ballet School’s Professional Division and university dance departments at California State University-Long Beach, Stanford University, Texas Christian University, Yale University, University of Utah and University of California-Irvine.

Children’s Division Coordinator Laurin Boland

Laurin began her early training in both Ventura and Santa Barbara counties as well as in Philadelphia. She continued her studies in dance with the Univesity of California - Santa Barbara dance department and performed with the UCSB Ballet Company under the direction of Valerie Houston. Laurin earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Child Development from UCSB and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from California Lutheran University. After years of working with children in Ventura, Laurin is delighted to be teaching ballet with her longtime and very dear friend, Kirsten Oakley, at Oakley Ballet Center. Though many of her younger dance students believe Laurin lives at Oakley Ballet Center, she actually resides nearby in Ventura with her family.

Guest Artist Hai Cohen

Dancer/Choreographer/Educator A native of Beer-Sheva, Israel, Hai found his passion for dance through dancing with noted Israeli folk dance company Aylot Anegov, traveling around the globe presenting this rich cultural heritage at festivals for five years. He then went on to study ballet at the Bat Dor Professional Dance School. During that time, Hai was awarded the American-Israel Cultural Scholarship, given only to the top dance students in the country. Upon graduation, his achievements in dance were honored by the Israeli government, which allowed him to continue his professional career while simultaneously fulfilling his mandatory three-year national service commitment in the IDF. Hai was a member of Kamea Contemporary Dance Company and joined Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company (under the direction of Rami Be-er) in 2007, with whom he traveled the globe touring their acclaimed dances at major venues. Hai was a member of the Los Angeles-based dance company BODYTRAFFIC from 2010-2013. Hai shares his passion for dance with the next generation of dancers as a faculty member of the Idyllwild Arts Academy, and the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, where he teaches modern dance and ballet and choreographs multiple student pieces. Hai’s dance courses are unique in their combination of multiple dance techniques, giving his students a thorough foundation from which they can develop their individual voices as dancers and share their passions as fully-developed artists.

Featured Dancers Bailey Basurto Bailey Basurto is a Sophomore at Foothill Technology High School. Bailey has been dancing with Oakley Ballet Center for 12 years. Some of Bailey’s favorite roles include Peter in Peter and the Wolf as well as Doe and Pride Fate in Snow White. Outside of ballet, Bailey enjoys listening to music, hanging out with friends and photography. A favorite quote of Bailey’s is, “I don’t like to be the center of attention, except for when I want to be the center of attention.” - Trisha Paytas

April Boland April Boland is a Senior at Ventura High School. Dance has been a part of her life since birth, and she takes great pride in her family’s participation with Oakley Ballet Center. In addition to dancing, she thrives on helping mentor younger dancers and assisting with choreography. April has had several favorite roles over nearly two decades of performing, which has given her the opportunity to partner with some talented guest artists, further developing her skills as a dancer.

Lillian Carroll Lillian Carroll is a Junior at Beacon Hill Classical Academy. She has been dancing for 13 years including 11 years with Oakley Ballet Center. Her favorite roles include Rat King, Spanish corps de ballet and Doll in The Nutcracker. When she is not dancing, Lillian enjoys reading, writing and drawing. Lillian participated in the Summer at the County High School Internship Program, is currently a student employee for the County of Ventura Human Services Agency, and plans to pursue a career in public service as a forensic investigator.

Brie Cheatham Brie Cheatham is a sophomore at Ventura High School. She has been dancing for 13 years, with 9 years at Oakley Ballet Center. Her favorite roles have included Clara in the 2019 production of The Nutcracker, Winter Escort in the 2022 Nutcracker, Peacock in Snow White, and being a member of the corps de ballet in Les Sylphides. A quote that carries meaning for her is, “This is life before you know who you are going to be” - Taylor Swift

Finley Colavito Finley Colavito is a Sophomore at Foothill Technology High School and has been training at Oakley Ballet Center for 6 years. Her favorite roles so far have been the Duck Teacher in Peter and the Wolf as well as Escort soloist in The Nutcracker. When she is not dancing, she enjoys baking and beading. A favorite quote of hers is, “You always have to put out to the universe what your dream is - that is in part how they become actualized.” - Isabella Boylston

Charlotte Cornes Charlotte Cornes is a Freshman at Simi Valley High School. She has been dancing for 11 years and has danced with Oakley Ballet Center for 5 years. Her favorite roles include Snow Corps de ballet in The Nutcracker and Arabian Corps in The Nutcracker, and being part of the Shadow Corps de ballet in Snow White. Charlotte loved being a rehearsal assistant. Reading and binging Grey’s Anatomy are favorite activities outside of ballet. A quote that means something to Charlotte is, “Find your people and keep them close, because when you’re at your lowest, those people get you through.” - Meredith Grey (Grey’s Anatomy)

Mia Earley Mia Earley is in 7th grade at Cabrillo Middle School. She has been dancing for 8 years with more than 6 years at Oakley Ballet Center. Some of her favorite roles include Sleepy Dwarf in Snow White, and Frog in Peter and the Wolf. Outside of ballet, she enjoys art and paddle-boarding with friends. A quote that inspires Mia is, “When you dance, your purpose is not to get to a certain place on the floor. It is to enjoy each step on the way.” - Wayne Dyer

Nicola Hammond Nicola Hammond is 17, and a Senior at Ventura High School. This is her 13th year with Oakley Ballet Center. A few of her favorite roles have been Sugar Plum in 2023’s The Nutcracker, Spanish Chocolate soloist in the 2022 production of The Nutcracker, a Squirrel in Snow White and a Gnome in Hansel and Gretel. When she is not dancing, she enjoys baking, reading and spending time with friends. Nicola has participated in Spanish immersion since Kindergarten and is bilingual. A favorite quote of Nicola’s is, “Die with memories, not dreams.”

April Johnson April Johnson is in seventh grade at Cabrillo Middle School. April has been dancing for 8 years and has trained at Oakley Ballet Center for 7 years. Favorite roles include in Snow White: Happy the Dwarf and Dove, as well as Rat in The Nutcracker. Outside of ballet, April enjoys crocheting, swimming, baking and playing the bassoon. A favorite quote of April’s is, “Be yourself, everyone else is already taken.” - Oscar Wilde.

Ava Mohror Ava Mohror is a Senior at Ventura High School. She has been dancing with Oakley Ballet Center for 13 years. Some of Ava’s favorite roles are Candy Ribbon Soloist in The Nutcracker, Shadow Fairy in Snow White, and Duck Friend in Peter and the Wolf. Outside of ballet, Ava enjoys her role as print editor-in-chief for The Cougar Press and plans to study journalism in college.

Avery Palmieri Avery Palmieri is a Senior at El Camino High School. She has been dancing with Oakley Ballet Center for 11 years. Some of her favorite roles have included Seasons soloist in the 2022 production of The Nutcracker and a Squirrel in Peter and the Wolf. When she is not dancing, she enjoys reading, going to the beach, and attending concerts. Avery also hosts a podcast and looks forward to pursuing a digital media and production education in college.

Trudy Ragsdale Trudy Ragsdale is an eighth grader at Cabrillo Middle School and has been training at Oakley Ballet Center for 9 years. Her favorite roles include Dove and Grumpy the Dwarf in 2023’s Snow White, and Cook in The Nutcracker this year. When she is not dancing, she enjoys baking, cooking and reading. Trudy is excited to share this experience with her fellow dancers, who are supportive and kind. “Be healthy and take care of yourself, but be happy with the beautiful things that make you, you.” - Beyoncé

Felicity Squire Felicity Squire is a Sophomore at Veritas Scholars Academy Online Homeschool. She has been dancing with Oakley Ballet Center for 11 years. Some of Felicity’s favorite performances and roles include Waltz of the Flowers and Rat in The Nutcracker, Shadow Faerie in Snow White, and Hunter in Peter and the Wolf. Felicity says, “It has been such a blessing to dance at Oakley Ballet Center for so many years. I will always treasure these memories. I have learned so much from my experiences, and made so many friends who are precious to me. I want to thank everyone from Oakley Ballet from the bottom of my heart. I love you all.”

Hazel Van Orman Hazel Van Orman is a Sophomore at Foothill Technology High School. She has been training at Oakley Ballet Center for four and a half years. Hazel’s favorite role is in this season’s The Nutcracker as a Shepherdess. Outside of ballet, Hazel enjoys reading, painting, and spending time with friends.

Emerson Voshell Emerson Voshell is a Junior at Oxnard High School. She has been dancing with Oakley Ballet Center for 10 years. Some of Emerson’s favorite roles have included Arabian dancer in The Nutcracker and as a Season soloist in the 2022 Nutcracker. Also a high school athlete, Emerson runs both cross country and track. Outside of ballet, she enjoys travel, attending concerts and spending time with family and friends.

Emmy Pearson In advance of The Nutcracker, we invite attendees to enjoy live instrumental music performed by Harpist Emmy Pearson. Emmy Pearson is in 7th grade and has been playing a lever harp for three years. She also plays the piano and enjoys the sport of rowing. Crafting is another favorite activity of hers. Emmy’s family is so proud of her efforts. 2023 marks her second year gracing the stage at Ventura College Performing Arts Center to entertain guests attending The Nutcracker.

Leadership and Crew Winter 2023

VC Technical Director ..................................Jamie Birkett VC Lighting and Design..............................Melissa Lay VC Technical Crew..........................................Alex Aguirre and Tyson Sauthoff Stage Manager................................................Dave Ragsdale Technical Manager........................................Todd Tranby Production Managers..................................Aimee Hammond and Rochelle Storts Costume Coordinator..................................Jill Johnson Prop Coordinator...........................................Sheryl Miller Ticket Coordinator.........................................Brenda Usery and Andrea Yamamoto PR & Marketing Manager...........................Ariel Palmieri Graphic Design and Custom Art.............Rochelle Storts Marketing Support.......................................Jim Earley, Jessica Smith and Rochelle Storts In-House Photography................................Hillary Smiley and Sarah Jackson Videographers.................................................Alison and Ernie Tamminga Accounting........................................................Michelle Spaulding Program Designer.........................................Jim Earley Program Editors..............................................Aimee Hammond and Ariel Palmieri Security Coordinators..................................Julie and Steve Carroll Backstage Coordinators.............................Katherine Basurto and Brigid Morales Quickchange Coordinators.......................Nicola Hammond and Kaitlyn Seymour Lunch Coordinators......................................Katherine Basurto, Brigid Morales and Brandie Mohror Lobby Team.......................................................Samantha Hill, Brandie Mohror, Ariel and Scarlett Palmieri, Katie Pilgrim, Sarah Squire and Jenny Trask Production Merchandise............................Ariel Palmieri and Rochelle Storts School Outreach Coordinator..................Jennifer McDevitt Senior Living Outreach Coordinator....Laurel Corcoran Fundraising/Events.......................................Aimee Hammond, Monica Earley and Rochelle Storts

Footworks Youth Ballet Board of Directors • Jon Light • J. Steven Murillo • Kirsten Oakley • Michael Perroni • Dave Ragsdale

Our Donors Performances like The Nutcracker would not be possible without the support of donors. Footworks Youth Ballet extends our thanks to the following donors for their generous contributions. Some of our donors have been giving for many years, and their totals represent that cumulative giving, as we like to recognize the impact of their continued support. Bravo!

Patron ($5000+)

Angela and Jon Light Jennifer Thompson and Drew Story Brass Ring Foundation

Foundation ($3000+) Judy and Robert Gold

Angel ($2000+)

Founder ($1000+)

Gerri-Lynn and Brett Becker Jody Bishop and Pamela Holbrook Nancy and Pat Gallagher

Michelle Holmes and Chuck Caulkins

Devotee

Above the Barre

Suzanne Chadwick Eloqui Company Julie and Steve Carroll

Jean Ball Aimee and Chad Hammond Stephanie and Phil Dillon Aurora Jensen The California Wine Club

Supporters

Enthusiast

Rochelle Storts Sheryl Miller Lenita Andres Scott Goodwin Candice Weber C.A. and D.G. Blaney Annette Okamur Betsy and Scott Manninen

Christina Freeman Sherri Van Orman Morgan and Tim Stowers

For additional information about our donor categories or to set-up recurring or one-time donations, please visit: https://www.oakleyballet.com/support/

Community Supporters Thank you to our local community supporters who help make our ballet possible.

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Rehearsal Assistants Kirsten and Laurin greatly appreciate the rehearsal assistants who have mentored the younger dancers and helped throughout The Nutcracker rehearsal season. • • • • • •

Bailey Basurto April Boland Charlotte Cornes Nicola Hammond Ava Mohror Avery Palmieri

Thank you to the dancers who take initiative and help Production in all areas of need! • • • •

April Boland Nicola Hammond Avery Palmieri Kaitlyn Seymour

Our Volunteers are the Best! Costuming and Sewing Thank you for designing, making, altering, cleaning, and organizing over 200 costumes, including many new or redesigned creations. We are proud to see your work take center stage and are delighted by how beautiful the dancers look in these stunning costumes. Great job!

Lunch Crew Thank you for feeding us on Saturdays during production season. Thank you for your donations. Thank you to the Lunch Crew members who were present to serve lunches cheerfully each Saturday. Your delicious meals gave us the energy we all needed to do our jobs.

Fundraising Thank you for providing the environment, the food, the music and the fun! You inspire us all to support our cause.

Production Sets and props, nuts and bolts, communicating, leading, problem-solving, organizing and motivating. This is the Go-to Team. Thank you for being the leaders of our extraordinarily special organization.

Marketing The word is OUT! Thank you to this team. T-shirts and sweatshirts the dancers LOVE. FYB on the VC marquee. Our beautiful program, postcards given to family and friends, a direct email campaign, social media marketing, and so much more!

Tickets Without ticket sales, there would be no performance. Thank you for your efforts and dedication to providing great customer service in a calm, friendly and organized manner. Thank you to a team of talented ushers to assist our audience to have the best theater experience possible.

Outreach Moving nearly 800 attendees in and out of the theater on a Thursday morning - so we can present our Outreach performances - now that is a BIG job! Thank you for the fantastic organizational skills and clear communication. Just think how many children’s lives you’ve helped enrich!

Backstage and Security During production week alone, nearly 300 volunteer positions are filled by about 60 volunteers. Thank you for your participation and for providing clear direction to our parents and dancers in a calm and safe manner.

Lobby: Sales - Flowers - Gifts Gifts for dancers and attendees, refreshments and treats, shopping, handmade items, production mementos and apparel - thank you to our lobby team for thoughtfully curating, displaying and selling these wares.

The Fabric of Footworks Threads, needles and fabric play a big role at Footworks Youth Ballet. We are, of course, a ballet company. When there are dancers performing, there are costumes to be made.Throughout the production season, our volunteer costuming department is hard at work creating new costumes and repairing, altering and improving the old. We are immensely proud of our costumers and the many helping hands working to create the beautiful costumes that help bring our productions to life on stage.That is not, however, where the thread and fabric ends. The fabric of Footworks started way before Footworks was founded in 2003. The thread began when a young Kirsten Oakley began dancing in Santa Monica with Yvonne Mounsey at Westside Ballet. Years later, when Footworks was staging its first production, it was Yvonne Mounsey who provided us with the costumes, choreography and the support that got us off the ground and on the stage. Nearly 20 years later, Footworks’ fabric has grown to include threads from students, parents, teachers and friends, both past and present. We are woven so tightly together that at times it’s difficult to tell who is a current student or parent and who is not. With great pride and a strong sense of responsibility, Oakley Ballet Center and Footworks Youth Ballet consciously teach and encourage mentoring and leadership skills. This is evident as we watch the natural progression of roles being passed from one dancer to another (and often - one parent volunteer to another). The students mentor each other, teaching as they go along. When they witness the successes of others, they are proud of their mentoring accomplishments. The result is a respect toward each other, and for their art form, that transcends age, ability or level. We are so proud to see this tradition continue each year and to see our dancers, who were once the youngest, now leading and mentoring others. Without exception, everyone helps to bring this production to the stage. “Each season when we start preparing for The Nutcracker, I feel the presence from all of the hands that have held each prop and costume since 2004,” Kirsten Oakley says. “It is humbling to reflect about each of these makers and how all of their contributions over the years make it possible for us to continue performing.””

Fingerworks Fundraising Fingerworks is a fundraising division of Footworks where our alumni families, dancers’ families and friends, dancers themselves, and members of the Footworks Youth Ballet creative and production teams join together under the direction of volunteers to create handmade crafts, decor and gift items. Funds raised from these sales will be used toward the next production. Be sure to stop by and see the beautiful and unique creations made with love by our talented Fingerworks team.

Reaching Our Community Footworks Youth Ballet’s Board of Directors believes that ballet should be shared with community members of all ages and collaborates with organizations and schools in an effort to increase opportunities for enjoyment of the arts. Footworks Youth Ballet Brings The Nutcracker into Local Senior Communities In an effort to bring the magic of the holiday season to some community members who cannot attend a performance, Footworks Youth Ballet partnered with six senior living communities in Ventura and Oxnard to present portions of the ballet classic to residents in their own facilities. Several costume-clad ballet dancers performed for the senior citizens, bringing with them props and presenting a beautiful variation of The Nutcracker. They were met with appreciation from senior community residents, many of whom went on to share stories of their own histories either dancing or attending the ballet. A Nutcracker Preview for Local Schools Imagine the joy and excitement on students’ faces when the lights dim and the music begins. It is truly a rewarding experience to introduce and share ballet with nearly 800 Ventura County students each Fall and Spring when school groups attend performances in advance of opening night. Without this Outreach Program, many local students might not have the opportunity to experience the fine art of ballet. Perhaps our performances will spark an interest where none previously existed. Even if students don’t want to be dancers, it opens their eyes to the arts and they may pursue it in some other fashion. Or they may choose to continue attending performances for enjoyment. Outreach is the favorite performance for many of our dancers because the students are so enthusiastic - it makes our dancers happy to know that students enjoyed the performance. For information about how your student’s school can have the opportunity to attend an Outreach performance, email productionmanager@oakleyballet.com and please put Outreach Information Request in the subject line.

Reaching Our Community

Winter 2023 Dedications Nicola Nicola, From your first FYB Nutcracker, to your Last, what an absolutely beautiful journey this has been…And your story is really just beginning. Words cannot express the Love and Pride we have for you. Looking forward to all of your next chapters. Nama, Ga, Declan, Dad, Mom, L&J

Vivienne,

Vivienne

We love watching you grow as a dancer, and are so excited for you this Nutcracker Season! Keep following your dreams, Clara Love, Mommy, Daddy, and Vincent

Winter 2023 Dedications Lillian Congratulations Lillian! We are so proud of you! Love, Dad, Mom, Jeremy, & Grayson

Brie Brie, “Best believe you are bejeweled, when you walk in the room, you can still make the whole place shimmer…” We love watching you sparkle as you pour your heart out on the dance floor. We love you, Cameron, Maverick and Mom

Winter 2023 Dedications

Charlotte Charlotte, We’re nuts about you - Sleigh, Nutcracker, Sleigh! Love, Your Family

In Memorium – Todd Lechtick Todd Lechtick contributed his photography talents to Footworks Youth Ballet productions for more than 20 years. A trained dancer himself, Todd had the unique ability to capture the appropriate ballet techniques and formations in his photography, making his work ideal for not only documenting productions, but additionally for marketing future ballets. Todd traveled the world photographing some of the finest ballet companies, festivals and competitions and also contributed his work to dance publications. Kirsten Oakley and the entire Footworks Youth Ballet and Oakley Ballet communities deeply miss Todd, his contributions and his talent.

Save the Dates

Spring Production Auditions: February 13, 2024

Spring Production: May 31 - June 2, 2024

Summer in Motion:

Summer in Motion at Oakley Ballet Center. July 1 - 26, 2024

Register online at www.oakleyballet.com/joinoakley For further information, please call or email (805) 676-1600 — info@oakleyballet.com

Please Visit or Follow Footworks Youth Ballet for updates on ticket sales for future productions. On the Web: FootworksYouthBallet.org On Facebook: Footworks Youth Ballet AND Oakley Ballet Center On Instagram: footworksyouthballet

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