Nutcracker Ballet Opens December 6

North County Dance and Performing Arts Foundation will present its annual production of The Nutcracker Ballet Thursday, Dec. 6 through Sunday, Dec. 9 at the Templeton Performing Arts Center on the campus of Templeton High School.
“It’s definitely a family tradition,” Director Cheryle Armstrong said. “It’s a heart-warming story.”
The ballet tells the story of a young girl named Clara who gets a nutcracker from her Uncle Drosselmeyer on Christmas Eve and is transported to another world in her dreams.
This year’s cast includes Kaela Tran as Clara, Jenevieve Crossett as the Sugar Plum Fairy, Billy Cusimano as Drosselmeyer and Samuel Fulk, a guest artist from Sacramento, as the Cavalier.
The cast for the 2018 season of the Nutcracker has a record number of dancers, which come from throughout the entire North County. The cast has nearly 75 people of all ages, quite a few more than past years, North County Dance and Performing Arts
Foundation Vice President Cali Domenghini said.
For performance dates, ticket prices, and other info, see our holiday event listings on page 44, or see “The Nutcracker” ad on page 45.
For information, email info@ncdpaf.org or call 805-316-1833.

Up Front Gift Shop: Buy great gifts and support art programming for local youth

Looking for unique presents for those special people in your life this holiday season? Look no further than Up Front Gift Store inside Studios on the Park. The holidays kick off at Studios on
Saturday, Dec. 1 from 6 to 9 p.m. Enjoy wine pouring by Justin Winery, music by Adam Levine, gaze upon the elaborate holiday décor, and do some shopping.
“This is going to be a great evening and a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season,” Manager Elaina Stangle said, “and you are sure to find gifts for everyone on your list.”
Stangle and her staff of docents will help you find the perfect gifts, from jewelry, scarves, handbags, candles, and soaps to ceramics, glassware, baskets, and leather goods. And don’t forget to pick up something for yourself!
“We have a lot of new, affordable, beautiful, unique items that are ideal for hostess gifts and stocking stuffers,” Stangle said.
The artists at Studios, a non-profit organization, focus on supporting Kids Art Smart – art programming for local school-age children.
Forty percent of sales from Up Front benefits Kids Art Smart.
Stop by Up Front Gift Shop inside Studios on the Park, located at 1130 Pine St. in downtown Paso Robles. Open daily; gift wrapping and shipping options available.