The holidays are here and come December that can only mean one thing—festivities and a lot of Nutcracker to add some spice. Many talented companies from Malibu to Thousand Oaks and all the way down to Disney Hall will perform the festive classic.
It all kicks off at Pepperdine’s Smothers Theatre starring the Malibu Civic Ballet. Performances featuring principal dancer Raydel Caceres and prima ballerina Alikaydee Carreno will take place on Dec. 13, 14 and 15.
Several outstanding local dancers will also be appearing at the Pacific Festival Ballet’s production at the Civic Arts Plaza in Thousand Oaks. Performances at the Fred Kavli Theatre will be held on Dec. 21 and 22.
The Sunday performance will be extra special as it showcases many of the company’s Malibu students including Makenzie Murdock, Sadie Sandoval and Summer Kent. They will be performing alongside Sofia Rochin, who landed the plum lead role of “Clara.”
“Sofia has been working hard for many years, starting from a tiny ginger cookie at age eight and moving up the ranks,” says proud mom and assistant to the company’s director Deborah Collodel Rochin.
“She and the other students have a full schedule of dance classes at PFB’s training school, California Dance Theatre in Agoura Hills, leaving little time for much else.
“Sofia has spent the last few summers dancing at prestigious programs including The Joffrey Ballet in Chicago, Miami City Ballet and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School. She hopes to continue pursuing a career in dance by attending a college with a strong dance department and working for a dance company after graduation.”
As for the Nutcracker, Sofia should feel right at home. She will be dancing with her Dad, Eric Rochin, who will appear in the role of “Herr Drosselmeyer.”
Eric and his wife both enjoyed successful professional dance careers and are delighted to watch their daughter follow in their pointed footsteps.
What’s more, this year’s Nutcracker has the added bonus of Tiler Peck, a renowned ballerina on loan from The New York City Ballet and her partner, Robert Fairchild.
“They are stunning in the grand pas and will truly bring an impressive talent to the stage,” says Deborah, who adds, “Pacific Festival Ballet promises a 100% chance of snowfall!”
Over at Disney Hall, the Los Angeles Philharmonic will be doing its own twist on the Christmas classic with the LA Children’s Chorus. “The Dude” Gustavo Dudamel will lead the way with performances on Dec. 12 through 14 with an afternoon performance on Dec. 15.
There is another of sleigh-full of holiday festivities to come before the year is out, so stay tuned!
THE RUSH IS ON
Last-minute holiday shopping is in full gear. But instead of mobbing a mega store for a Black Friday deal, why not stop by our long and very beloved Diesel, A Bookstore, which may be leaving for good? At a time like this one could use a little inspiration, so check out Joshua Dubois’ latest tome.
Joshua is the former head of the Office of Faith Based and Neighborhood Partnerships in the Executive Office under President Barack Obama. He compiled a book of daily devotionals. I was introduced to the gracious Mr. Dubois at a get-together at Roma Downey’s beautiful beachfront home a few weeks back. A big shout out to Roma and Joshua. Let’s face it; these days we need all the uplifting inspiration we can get. Happy holidays!