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WEST VALLEY VIEW NEWS | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021
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Ballet hosting auditions for ‘The Nutcracker’ BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF
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outhwest Ballet Theatre, in partnership with Estrella Mountain Community College, is seeking dancers ages 5 to adult for four performances of its seventh annual “Nutcracker” production. Dancers will share the stage with professional guest artists in the holiday classic.
This year’s production will be under the artistic direction of Tasha Stramecki. “We are very excited to return to the stage at EMCC after a year away,” Stramecki said. “We are planning a show that will delight new audience members but also surprise our returning patrons.” Dancers can audition at EMCC’s Perform-
ing Arts Center from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11. All information — including group times, fees, dress code and ballet class requirements — is available at swbtballet.org/ performances/auditions. Auditioning dancers must reserve a space online prior to Sept. 11. Adults with acting experience who are
interested in participating in this year’s production should contact Southwest Ballet at admin@swbtballet.org. Performances are Thursday, Dec. 16, to Sunday, Dec. 19, at EMCC’s Performing Arts Center, located at 3000 N. Dysart Road, Avondale. Tickets go on sale online Friday, Oct. 1.
Entrepreneurs hope to raise customers’ self-esteem
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI West Valley View Executive Editor
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orenzo Carson was working as a plumber when he met Taqee Zareef on a job in the Bay Area. Carson, of Avondale, wished he could spend more time at home with his family, as plumbing is a 24/7 job. He found Zareef felt he same. In February, the duo took a leap of faith and invested in CG Essentials, a selfcare company that they say improves self-confidence. It launched in April. “We’re big on family,” Carson said. “Back when we were working as plumbers, it was so time consuming. We want to do well and make money and be comfortable, but not at the expense of spending time with our kids and families. “We have always been clean-cut men, and putting these grooming kits together is right up our alley.” Zareef said CG Essentials’ products
are rare in that men do not usually see grooming kits just for them. Products range from a $4.49 Dip’N Du-Rag to a $90 Boss Bundle, a collection of men’s grooming products on CG Essentials’ website. Perfume, edge control, beauty blenders and cuticle oil are among the popular products for women. Their products are even named after their children to show their commitment to building a more splendid future — not only for their children but also for the Black community. For instance, some of their products are named Iyana’s Edge Control, Love Aliya Perfume, Layla’s Luxury Lip Balm and Carson Cuticle Oil. “The edge control is our top seller, to be honest,” Carson said. “It allows them to tame and style their edges.” The now-former plumbers — or “house doctors,” as Carson said — enjoy the creativity and the opportunities that come with CG Essentials.
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