Alexandre Algueró will dance as Cavalier
Though the Central Coast is no a snow-covered wonderland during the Christmas season, other traditions remain strong in the North County, including Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” ballet.
“It’s a really good way to get into the holiday spirit,” said Gabriella Trevisan, this year’s Sugar Plum Fairy.
Trevisan, who trains at Class Act Dance in Paso Robles, will dance with guest dancer, Alexandre Algueró, who will be in the area from Barcelona and has agreed to be in the ballet.
The Christmas story of Clara, her uncle Drosselmeyer, the Prince, Sugar Plum Fairy and the fantasy world is a Christmas tradition that North County Dance and Performing Arts Foundation brings to the North County every December.
“There are a lot of unsung heroes,” director Cheryle Armstrong said about those who make the ballet possible. Those people include the parents that work behind the scenes and participate as dancers.
Trevisan, a Paso Robles resident, is a junior at Mission Prep in San Luis Obispo. This year’s ballet is her eighth year dancing in “The Nutcracker” for North County Dance & Performing Arts Foundation.
“I’ve been almost every role in ‘The Nutcracker,’” Trevisan said.
She was 9 years old when she danced in the ballet for the first time. She filled the roles of Bon Bon, Reindeer and Tealight that year. She’s been dancing since she was 4 years old and now dances six days a week for one to3.5 hours a day.
“I’m really excited,” Trevisan said. “I can’t wait to bring the character to life and bring the magic to the audience.”
Fifteen-year-old Koby Wescom has also been dancing in the ballet for many year — seven to be exact. This year he will again take the stage as the Nutcracker Prince.
“I am looking forward to being the Nutcracker Prince again this year,” Wescom said. “Being a part of this production has been a blessing in so many ways. I have not only grown as a dancer but as a person too. We have had many great experiences and have made some amazing memories.”
This year, Wescom will also be dancing the family scene with his sister, Kyra, who will play Fritz, and his mom, Amy, who will play Mrs. Stahlbaum.
This ballet will take place the second weekend of December. Student night and open dress rehearsal will be held on Thursday, Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. Following performances will happen on Friday, Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 9 at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 10 at 1 and 5:30 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center on the campus of Templeton High School. Tickets are $28 for adults and $24 for children. For Student Night, tickets are $10 and a can of food for students and $25 for adults. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to ncdpaf.org.
