A Holiday Tradition December 17 & 18, 2016 DecemberDecember 1917 & &20, 18, 2015 2016 Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company . Shari True, Artistic Director Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company; Shari True, Artistic Director Nebraska Symphony Chamber Orchestra . Dr. Herbert E. Dregalla, Jr., Conductor Nebraska Symphony Chamber Orchestra; .Dr. Herbert E. Dregalla, Jr., Conductor Presenting Sponsor Security First Bank 1 Shramek’s Video Productions 4220 South 33rd Suite D * Lincoln, Nebraska 68506 Studio/Janet 402 475-2767 * Grant 402-217-1968 [email protected] * www.ShrameksVideo.com

OfÞcial Videographer For LMBC Nutcracker Since 1995

Wedding and Event Specialist Captured On 4K Video Tape Transferred to Flash Drive (includes the ßash drive and DVD FREE) Tape to DVD (almost any) Digital Storage Device Transferred to DVD Old Home Movies, Slides and Photographs Transferred to DVD and/or Flash Drive Clients DVD to ßash drive (includes ßash drive Tape and Cassette Repair (almost any format) Video and Audio Duplication Custom Editing (you may assist) Phone transfer (per 2 hours) (includes ßash drive or DVD) Records (both sides) Reel - Reel audio to CD 8 track audio cassettes to CD ¾” video cassettes to DVD Betamax video cassettes to DVD Zip disk Floppy disk

2 THE Nutcracker Ballet Boutique Remember the magic with a gift from the boutique • Ballet and Nutcracker-themed gifts, books and jewelry • Ballet shoes autographed by Clara • Nutcracker sweatshirts • Flowers for your dancer (limited supplies if not pre-ordered)

Backstage Delivery Gifts and flowers from the boutique can be delivered backstage to your dancer.

Located in the Orchestra Lobby Open before the show, during intermission and after the Saturday performances. Closed after Sunday intermission. Proceeds benefit the dancers in our community.

The store for your (future) Sugar Plum Fairy!

3 Get on Pointe Master Series with Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company!

Monday, July 31-August 5, 2017: Pre-Season Ballet and Pointe Training, including audition workshop Ages 9 and Up, 2.5 hours for each age level throughout the day/evening

September 30, 2017 (All day): Nutcracker Cast and Company Auditions

October 2017 (Date TBD) Master Class Company/Apprentice Season Opening: Corp de Ballet Training

January 2018 (Date TBD) Master Class Company/Apprentice Strengthen your Pointe Performance/Pointe Technique Class

April 2018 (Date TBD) Master Class Company/Apprentice Principal and Soloist Variations Training

http://www.lincolnmidwestballet.org/ lincolnmidwestballetcompany · registration information coming out January 2017 · 4 Master Series Artistic Director Shari True presents The Nutcracker Ballet Music by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Featuring the Nebraska Symphony Chamber Orchestra Conducted by Dr. Herbert E. Dregalla, Jr.

Saturday, December 17, 2016 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. & Sunday, December 18, 2016 2 p.m.

Stage Manager: Molly Thomas Technical Director: Total Entertainment, Tom Curtright Head Costumer and Costume Builder: Maralee Maldavs Hair & Makeup Designer & Assistant Costumer: Donna Himmelberger Assistant to the Costumer: Alexandra Vargas Lighting Designer: John Himmelberger Assistant Stage Managers: Kira Taylore, Emily Vanek Rehearsal Assistants: Betsy Andersen, Ashley Durst Accompanist: Burton Schernikau Business Manager: Dean W. Haist LMBC Coordinator/Arts Incorporated: Carrie Mardock

5 6 Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Ann Seacrest, President Debby Erickson, Vice President Renee Yost, Treasurer Christine Mann, Vice President Lana Peterson-Pressler, Secretary Vicki Schulenberg, President-Elect

DIRECTORS Cori Amend Kenton Sullivan Beth Bartek Tami Uribe John Coffey Fran Westfall Kelly Duncan Kate Wilson

Directors Emeriti

Judith Amber Linda Laird Jim Beitel Joyce Latrom Joan Chopp Angie Muhleisen Ron Colin J. Michael Rierden Michael Dowd Susan Steinegger Lyn Wineman Nancy Ingham

DANCER REPRESENTATIVES TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Senior Representatives: Elyse Kohler, McKaylee True Junior Representative: Emily Yost

LMBC MISSION

The Mission of the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company is to promote excellence in the art of ballet through performances, education, and community outreach.

LMBC extends our appreciation to all of the area dance studios. The success of the Nutcracker depends upon your passion for dance and the support and guidance you provide to the talented youth of our community.

7 Lincoln Midwest Ballet Guild

OFFICERS Toni Montanez, President Libby Tomes, Vice President Traci Bergt, Treasurer Amy Rutt, Secretary

PROJECT COORDINATORS Backstage at the Ballet: Debby Erickson Nutcracker Boutique: Sue Olson, Deb Kimberly Nutcracker Shirts: Christine Mann Nutcracker DVD: Lana Peterson-Pressler Picture Buttons: Lorrie Struve Room Parent Coordinator: Katie Flood, Wendy Wussow Company Dinner: Beth McElroy, Libby Tomes, Kristin Kohler Girl Scout Tea Party: Amy Rutt Pointe Shoe Decorating: Kelley Peterson

BACKSTAGE AT THE BALLET Backstage at the Ballet is an artists-in-residency program sponsored by the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Guild. Backstage at the Ballet was a vision of our artistic director, Shari True, to give children hands-on opportunities to experience ballet in a fun learning environment. This year, artists from Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company worked with students at Everett Elementary School during the week of December 5-9. This special program was funded generously by Allstate and the Lincoln Public Schools Foundation through Fund-a-Need. Thank you to the dancers and staff who assisted with this year’s program.

The Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company Guild would like to thank these businesses and individuals for their generous support.

The Dance Shoppe Nebraska Army National Guard Dancewares Carrie Christensen Valentino’s Nolan Crane AT Thomas Jewelers Taryn & John Vanderford CHI Health Kristen Bauer Bryan Health Charlie Brogan The Cookie Company Dennis Buckley Messiah Lutheran Church Jeff Korbelik Lori Copes Genevieve Randall A Street Market Purple Sky Productions Capital Humane Society Gina Sherwood LMBG Knitting Circle Michelle Svehla Paul Davis Restoration Sara-Jane Schroeder Sugar Bee Bakery True Dance & Co. Sam’s Club University of Nebraska-Lincoln 8 The History of the Nutcracker Ballet

2016 marks 124 years since the first Nutcracker performance.

In 1890, A. Vsevolozhsky, director of Imperial Theatres in Russia, planned The Nutcracker as a repeat of the collaboration that had created the huge 1890 success, Sleeping Beauty. The collaborations included himself, Tchaikovsky, and chief choreographer of the Imperial Theatres, M.I. Petipa. Petipa presented Tchaikovsky with a very detailed libretto, specifying not only the types of music and nature of the characters but also the tempos, the numbers of bars for actions, and even the pieces of music from which he wanted Tchaikovsky to borrow melodies. Petipa took the story, not directly from Hoffman’s The Nutcracker and The King of the Mice, but from a French version of the tale written by Alexander Dumas Pere, The Nutcracker of Nuremberg. From the beginning, Petipa intended to cast children in the ballet. In Act I, he originally asked for children to perform a series of national dances. Soon after Tchaikovsky received the libretto, Petipa told him to move these dances to Act II and to use professional adults. This change allowed both the choreographer and the composer much more freedom. In June 1891, Tchaikovsky ordered from Paris the newly invented celesta to use in The Nutcracker. “Have it sent directly to St. Petersburg . . . but no one there must know about it. I am afraid others might hear of it and make use of the effect before I could. I expect the instrument will make a tremendous sensation.” Tchaikovsky used the celesta to follow Petipa’s instructions that the Sugar Plum Fairy’s music must sound like the sprays of a fountain. In spring 1892, Tchaikovsky premiered The Nutcracker Ballet Suite, an eight-part concert version of the ballet music. At least six times, the audience demanded immediate encores of specific music selections. Because of the Suite’s instant success, the score was published even before the ballet premiered. In September, rehearsals began forThe Nutcracker at the Maryinsky Theatre. (Later, the theatre and company were renamed the Kirov in honor of a hero of the Communist revolution; in the post-Communist era, they have returned to their original name.) Due to illness, Petipa withdrew as choreographer and was replaced by Lev Ivanov. Generally, Ivanov is credited with the choreography. Newspapers began referring to the beauty of the costumes and sets. On December 17, The Nutcracker premiered to mixed reviews, some worrying that its lush orchestration made the ballet music unsuitable for dancing. Agrippina Vaganova, the famous Russian ballet teacher, said “Connoisseurs of ballet purposely took seats in the upper tier to admire the beautiful patterns [of the] waltz of the Snowflakes” performed by sixty dancers. 9 The Twentieth Century

The Nutcracker probably faded from the Maryinsky repertory with Ivanov’s death in 1901 but was revived in 1909 by N. Sergeyev, a student at the time of the premiere. His notes about the choreography and the production are the documentary link to the original ballet. In 1934, he used these resources to help produce in London the first complete Nutcracker outside of Russia. In 1919, the Bolshoi produced Moscow’s first Nutcracker. The little girl Masha was played by an adult ballerina who performed the Sugar Plum Fairy pas de deux with the Nutcracker, who was transformed into a prince and took the dances originally given to the Sugar Plum Fairy’s Cavalier. Americans first sawThe Nutcracker in 1940, when Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo presented an abbreviated version. In 1944, San Francisco Ballet staged a full production directed by William Christensen. In 1954, George Balanchine brought authentic experience to his productions for New York City Ballet. In Russia, he had been a student at the Maryinsky School, where he advanced from toy soldier to Prince. He was coached by dancers from the original production, especially Pavel Gerdt, the original Cavalier/Prince. Since mid-century, The Nutcracker has become as much a part of America’s Christmas season as Santa. Composers, choreographers, and designers continually play with the original. Duke Ellington jazzed up the score to become The Nutcracker Sweety. Maurice Sendak and Pacific Northwest Ballet collaborated on a stylishly psychological exploration, a version that has become widely known through Nutcracker: The Motion Picture. Mark Morris’ The Hard Nut created a satiric, gender-bending story moved to 1950s U.S.A. The Lincoln Community Playhouse produced a Nutcracker for several years, as did other regional groups. In 1985, to establish a locally-produced Nutcracker, cast mainly with local dancers, Shari True and five others formed Ballet Midwest. Several years later, Ballet Midwest and Lincoln City Ballet joined to form Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company which is now producing its thirtieth Nutcracker. LMBC joins New York City Ballet and Colorado Ballet in creating a traditional Nutcracker with live symphonic music, classic dance style, lush sets, and costumes suggesting a romantic yesterday. Bibliography Balanchine and Mason, Brinson and Crisp, Brown, Dance Magazine, Newman, Strutte, Terry, Warrack, Volkov and Wiley. Researched by Susan Steinegger

10 Shari True Artistic Director Shari True founded Ballet Midwest in 1985, which then merged with Lincoln City Ballet in 1992. The new company was renamed Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company —LMBC—and True stayed on as artistic director. Offering high-quality artistic and educational opportunities for young dancers is a passion for True. Under her direction, the Company has provided educational outreach programs such as the annual LMBC Summer Camp and Backstage at the Ballet. Now in her 30th year as artistic director, True continues to be a driving creative force, continually bringing new staging, choreography, superior costumes and special effects to The Nutcracker. Elements True has brought to the ballet include a magical spinning bed, a lighting effect that allows the audience to experience snow, and Clara and the Nutcracker Prince flying in a giant swan that is pulled by large hoists rented just for the production. Prior to LMBC, True’s Nutcracker experience included dancing in Ballet Omaha’s production of The Nutcracker for five years and as assistant choreographer of the Lincoln Community Playhouse’s productions of The Nutcracker in 1982 and 1983. True also directs LMBC’s biennial spring ballet productions, which have included Coppelia, Sleeping Beauty, Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Snow White and Cinderella. All LMBC productions and camps allow young dancers the opportunity to work with professional guest artists, who are brought to Lincoln from around the country. True is a graduate of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, with degrees in elementary education and dance. She was a member of Orchesis Dance (ensemble), UNL Flag and Dance Corps, and the Nebraska Dance Ensemble in Classical Ballet. Her professional dance experience includes being on staff of the Ballet West Summer Dance Camp in Colorado and the St. Louis Ballet. True has taught master ballet classes in Denver, Dallas and Kansas City. In 1980 she started her own dance academy in Lincoln, now called True Dance & Co., providing instruction in classical ballet, jazz, pointe and tap to many Lincoln area youth. Her traveling competition team has won many awards and her choreography for them has garnered “Best Choreography” honors. True’s artistic achievements include writing and choreography for The Crystal Slippers, an original ballet that premiered in Lincoln and was also performed by the Chamberlain Ballet Company in Dallas, Texas. She also choreographed Carmina Burana for Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra in 2002. Lincoln audiences have also seen her choreography in Pinewood Bowl productions of Hello, Dolly! and Carousel. In 1985 she danced with Academy West, Rolland DuPree, and taught for Act III Studio in West Hollywood, California. A proud moment for True was appearing in Universal Studio’s movie To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar in a speaking part as the dance teacher. In 1999, True was presented with the Lincoln Arts Council’s Helen Haggie Award for outstanding artistic achievement. 11 12 2016 Artistic Staff

Tom Curtright . Technical Director Tom has been working in the entertainment industry for nearly 40 years, and has worked with LMBC since The Nutcracker was performed at Pershing Auditorium. He has created the wonderful sets, props and stage design that LMBC audiences enjoy annually. Curtright has provided entertainment and performing arts technical designs for numerous local productions and hundreds of corporate and other special events. Maralee Maldavs . Head Costumer and Costume Builder Maralee has been designing and creating costumes for theater and dance productions for the more than 15 years. She currently works with several local dance studios, creating award-winning costumes for competition pieces as well as recital pieces. She has also worked with Lincoln’s Pinewood Bowl, The Lincoln Community Playhouse and The Stage Theater in Hickman. Maralee is the owner of JEM Creations, LLC, and this is her sixth year working with The Nutcracker. Donna Himmelberger . Hair & Make up Designer/Assistant Costumer Donna Himmelberger has been working in the costume design field for nearly40 years. In the more than 25 years she has lived in Lincoln, she has worked at the Lincoln Community Playhouse, freelanced with LMBC, Universal Dance Studio, the Mahoney State Park Melodramas, the Fremont Dinner Train Melodramas, the Nebraska Shakespeare Company, and the Omaha Community Theatre. Himmelberger was the department costume designer at Nebraska Wesleyan University for seven years before becoming an adjunct instructor in the communications department. She is currently at Doane College, where she is the theatre department costume designer. Alexandra Vargas . Assistant to the Costumer Alexandra Vargas has been sewing for pleasure since she was young. She is originally from West Lafayette, Indiana, and moved to Lincoln in 2013. She began assisting Maralee Maldavs with her costume business in 2015, where she worked on costumes for local dance studios and theatre productions such as Seussical. Alexandra is the owner of Dexter & Remy, where she designs and sews infant and children’s clothing to sell on Etsy. This is her second year working for The Nutcracker.

proud supporter of LMBC’s Nutcracker 13 2016 Artistic Staff

John Himmelberger . Lighting Designer John Himmelberger has been the Lighting Designer for The Nutcracker since 1996. John has designed lighting for many Lincoln area performing arts organizations including Lincoln City Ballet, the Dance Institute, Universal Dance Academy, Lincoln Community Playhouse, Flatwater Shakespeare Company, Nebraska Repertory Theatre, UNL Opera, Doane University Theatre Department, and the Lied Center for Performing Arts, where he is the staff Lighting and Production Specialist. Recent area productions include Mary Poppins, Circle Mirror Transformation, Snow White, Assassins, Heart of Robin Hood and The Seagull. Burton Schernikau . Accompanist Burton Schernikau is a graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan University and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln with BME and MM degrees with emphasis in music education and composition. After teaching for many years in Lincoln Public Schools, he became a professor of music at Nebraska Wesleyan University. He has a private voice and piano studio and is an adjudicator and director for competitions, contests, clinics, workshops and other artistic events and has been involved in the arts community in a variety of capacities. He is the pianist for LMBC’s Nutcracker rehearsals and summer camp and is a guest pianist for many other professional ballet companies throughout the United States. He is the artistic director of the Lincoln Boys Choir, which has traveled worldwide and has been recognized for its unique choral style. Schernikau has been recognized by the Nebraska Music Educators and has received the Outstanding Music Alumni award from NWU. He has been chosen as an admiral in the Navy of the State of Nebraska. He is a 33rd degree Mason and the organist for the Scottish Rite and Shrine organizations. Betsy Andersen . Rehearsal Assistant Betsy has been involved with Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company since 1989 and appears in its annual production of The Nutcracker. She has been a member of the LMBC artistic staff for nine years and has been teaching dance in Omaha and Lincoln for 20 years. Her choreography has taken top honors at local and national dance competitions. She has danced with the Omaha Modern Collective and was in their award winning production Dancefest 2009. She earned a BSBA in Human Resources Management from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln where she was an advanced ballet student and dance scholarship recipient. Ashley Durst . Rehearsal Assistant Ashley Durst was a part of the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company’s The Nutcracker for ten years, performing such roles as Clara, Snow Queen, and Spain. She is an Oklahoma City University graduate, where she received her bachelor and master degrees in dance performance and teaching. She has performed on television, in theme parks, and most recently with Carnival Cruise Lines as a dancer in the production 14 2016 Artistic Staff

shows. Durst has choreographed for several dance studios throughout Nebraska and Oklahoma, as well as judging and teaching for the Dance Masters of America Dance Convention. She is currently a dance instructor at a local studio and at Creighton University. She is excited to be involved with The Nutcracker again. Molly Thomas . Stage Manager Molly received her bachelor’s degree in teaching from University of Nebraska, and her master’s in educational leadership from Doane College. She teaches theatre and English at Lincoln High School. Molly has been stage managing The Nutcracker for the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company for more than 20 years. Molly has also worked with the Nebraska Repertory Theatre, the Lincoln Community Playhouse, Nebraska Directors Theatre, Theatrix, Flatwater Shakespeare and the University of Nebraska’s Theatre Department. Kira Taylore . Assistant Stage Manager Kira Taylore is a junior at Lincoln High School, and has been interested in having a career in theatre since she started at Lincoln High. This is her third year assistant stage managing the Nutcracker Ballet. Kira is a member of Illusion Theatre, LPS’s anti-bullying theatre group. She has acted in several LHS productions including, Stone Hearts, Bye Bye Birdie, and The Mouse that Roared. She studied ballet for four years, and is excited to see how skilled everyone is, both on and off the stage. Emily Vanek . Assistant Stage Manager Emily Vanek, 17, is a senior at Lincoln High School. This is her second year assistant stage managing the Nutcracker Ballet. Emily has run or designed the lighting for many Lincoln High productions including, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Spirit Shall Fly, and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead. She was a member of Run Crew for Tedx Youth @ Lincoln in 2014. She Is tech director for both the Nebraska Girls Shakespeare Company, and Project Zanzibar, a community outreach theatre project. Besides tech, Emily also enjoys acting, most recently playing the role of Ursula in Bye Bye Birdie.

15 2016 Guest Artists

Anna Porter Wilkes-Davis . Sugar Plum Fairy Anna Porter, a Lynchburg Virginia native, spent her school years studying ballet at Virginia School of the Arts under the direction of Petrus Bosman. In 2005, she was invited to attend the Washington School of Ballet Pre-Professional training program on full scholarship under the tutelage of Rebecca Wright. While there, she performed Balanchine’s Serenade and William Forsythe’s In the Middle Somewhat Elevated with the company. Also in 2005, she participated in the Youth American Grand Prix in New York where she placed in the top 12 for her contemporary solo. Anna also trained with the Miami City Ballet and the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater where she performed with the company in their productions of Cinderella and Great Gatsby. Anna just finished her fourth season with Columbia City Ballet as a Soloist. Her roles with the company included Red and Purple Vampire Maiden in Dracula; The Snow Queen, Arabian Princess, and Neopolitan Ice Cream in The Nutcracker; The Summer Fairy in Cinderella; The Fairy of Grace and The White Cat of Puss in Boots in Sleeping Beauty; Moyne in Giselle; and The Snake in The Little Prince. She now enjoys traveling to guest perform as a freelance artist with her husband, Journy Wilkes-Davis. They have performed the Pas De Deux from Giselle, Esmeralda, Sleeping Beauty, Raymonda, and of course, Nutcracker. Anna was a competitor in the 2014 Jackson USA IBC and also a competitor in the 2011 Boston USA IBC. Journy Wilkes-Davis . Cavalier Born in Fort Hood, TX, Journy Wilkes-Davis began his training at age fourteen under Shannon Greenberg and Dagoberto Nieves in Savannah, GA. During this time he attended the Boston Ballet summer dance program on full scholarship. Afterwards, he joined the Signature dance ensemble in Rocky Mount, NC, and continued his training under Cindy Mancini and Joseph Carow. In 2008, Journy joined the Columbia Classical Ballet under the direction of Radenko Pavlovich. In 2010, Journy moved to the Columbia City Ballet under the direction of William Starrett where he was promoted to principal dancer in 2012. While in Columbia, SC, Journy has danced roles in Mark Diamond’s A Streetcar Named Desire, Paul Taylor’s Company B, Balanchine’s Scotch Symphony, Allegro Brilliante, Western Symphony, Emeralds, Lila York’s Celts, Lynn Taylor Corbett’s Great Galloping Gottschalk, Rick McCullough’s Triptych and Rite of Spring, as well as classics such as Majisimo, Satanella, Albrecht in Giselle; Romeo in Romeo and Juliet; Prince Desire in The Sleeping Beauty; Snow King, Arabian and Sugarplum Cavalier in the Nutcracker. Journy has also been a guest with the Hilton Head Dance Theatre, Charleston City Ballet, and Montgomery Ballet where he has performed in such productions as Giselle, Don Quixote, Sylvia and Les Patineurs. Journy was a competitor in the first Boston International Ballet Competition in2011 and attended the 2014 Jackson USA IBC as a non-competing partner with his wife Anna Porter Wilkes-Davis. 16 2016 Guest Artists

Adam Bloodgood . Nutcracker Prince Originally from Seattle, Washington, Adam Bloodgood is a dancer/ actor/musician/director/entrepreneur. Adam has been professionally involved in dance, music, and film since childhood. After joining the Pacific Northwest Ballet School, Adam performed in his first professional production with the company at age 8. After a 12 year tenure with the school, he went on to perform with Ballet Austin, Ballet Idaho, Nevada Ballet Theatre, Dayton Ballet, and City Ballet of San Diego. Adam has performed leading roles in pieces by George Balanchine, Stephen Mills, Peter Anastos, and Karen Russo Burke, among others. In addition to being a dancer, Adam is a contemporary ballet choreographer. His world premiere, AUDEX : Ghosts, was set on dancers from Columbia City Ballet. Adam is also a multi-instrumentalist musician, producer, and composer. Since 2012, Adam has been assistant director at Bloodygood Pictures on projects such as Trenches of Rock, the company’s feature-length film debut. In 2016, Adam founded Bloodgood Entertainment, an independent media and entertainment company. Adam is also the host for Clear Perspective with Adam Bloodgood, an unconventional YouTube talk show.

Nathan Powell . Snow King, Marzipan Nathan Powell is from Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, where he received his early dance training. He started professional training at Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet School and had the chance to tour with the school throughout Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Ontario. He received a RBC Youth Excellence Scholarship in 2006 as a member of Festival Dance at the Banff Centre and performed with Northern Plains Ballet before joining Festival Ballet Providence for three seasons under Mihailo Djuric. Nathan has spent several summers with Ballet Montana and before coming to Ballet Idaho danced with Ballet San Antonio. In 2012, Nathan had his Ballet Idaho choreographic debut with a new ballet, Timepiece, which reviewer Dana Oland from Idaho Statesman called “a fun character ballet with a sci-fi twist.” He has also choreographed works for Anchorage Ballet, Ballet Montana, and the Boise Dance Co-op.

Cameron Wille . Arabian Cameron Wille grew up in Nederland, Texas, and has trained extensively in the styles of tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical, clogging, hip-hop, and contemporary. He has been a member of Tremaine’s National Performance Company for the past three years. He is also a principal dancer for Muse Dance Company and MusEffect. He appears courtesy of Muse Dance Company.

17 2016 Guest Artists

Matthew Fata . Arabian Matthew Fata grew up in a small town in Canada. As a young dancer he trained in all styles of dance including jazz, ballet, tap, hip-hop, lyrical and contemporary. He teaches, tours, choreographs and dances for Muse Dance Company as well as many studios throughout Canada and the United States and is a member of the MusEffect. Through his master classes, he strives to inspire dancers to express themselves through the art of dance and truly instill a sense of joy and accomplishment in every student. He appears courtesy of Muse Dance Company. Ben Chandler . Drosselmeier This is Ben Chandler’s 19th season with The Nutcracker. His many roles include: Drosselmeier, Battle Nutcracker, Mouse King, Arabian, Russian, Spain, Snow King and Party Parent. Chandler runs his own handyman service in Omaha.

Nebraska Symphony Chamber Orchestra

The Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company thanks the musicians of the Nebraska Symphony Chamber Orchestra for once again providing the live music for The Nutcracker. The Nebraska Symphony Chamber Orchestra (NSCO) is comprised of professional musicians from the Lincoln and Omaha areas, and has performed for the annual production of LMBC’s Nutcracker at the Lied Center since 1995. The NSCO has also performed for operas, musical productions, and a variety of concerts throughout the area including special events for Nebraska Wesleyan University, Doane College and area churches. In 1994, the NSCO played with Rod Stewart in a sold- out concert at Lincoln’s Devaney Center. Over the years, the NSCO has performed Bach’s Magnificat, Handel’s Messiah, Vivaldi’s Gloria, and Sweeney Todd in addition to providing local musicians for the touring productions of Chicago, Ragtime, All Shook Up, South Pacific, Peter Pan,Frankie Avalon, Steve Lippia–Simply Sinatra, Broadway Today, Celtic Tenors, Bernadette Peters, All Hands On Deck, Sandy Hackett's Rat Pack Show, Ain't Misbehavin’ and A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder.

18 Dr. Herbert E. Dregalla, Jr. Conductor, Nebraska Symphony Chamber Orchestra

Dr. Herbert E. Dregalla, Jr., is the Interim Chair of the Wright State University Department of Theatre, Dance and Motion Pictures. He also is the Associate Dean for Students and Curriculum in the College of Liberal Arts. Dr. Dregalla has also served Wright State University as the Director of Semester Conversion and Interim Associate Provost for Undergraduate Studies. Dr. Dregalla has a broad background of training and experience in instrumental music and music education. A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Dr. Dregalla taught in Ohio, New York, Tennessee, and Nebraska before becoming Professor and Chair of the Department of Music at Wright State University in 1998. Dr. Dregalla holds degrees from Baldwin-Wallace College in Berea, Ohio, the Manhattan School of Music in New York City, and Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. He has studied clarinet with Joseph Bosoty, Alan Squire and Herbert Blayman, and conducting with Henry Schuman, Dwight Oltman, and Bruce Hangen. From 1969 to 1971, Dr. Dregalla served in the United States Army as a member of the United States Military Academy Band at West Point, N.Y. In 1984 he was awarded the Conservatory Alumni Award by Baldwin-Wallace College for achievements in music and music education. From 1980 to 1998, Dr. Dregalla was on the faculty of Nebraska Wesleyan University where he conducted the NWU Symphonic Band and taught instrumental conducting, instrumental music methods and other university classes. He also served as Chair of the Department of Music and Chair of the Division of Fine and Applied Arts. Dr. Dregalla is a former clarinetist with the Lincoln Symphony Orchestra, the Omaha Symphony Orchestra and the Nebraska Chamber Orchestra. He has toured Nebraska under the sponsorship of the Nebraska Arts Council, both as a clarinet soloist and as a member of the Nebraska Wesleyan University’s Huntington Trio. In 1993 Dr. Dregalla was appointed Music Director of the Lincoln Municipal Band, a professional band performing in Lincoln with a history of more than 100 years, a position which he held through 1998. In August of 1994, the Lincoln Municipal Band, under the direction of Dr. Dregalla, performed a series of concerts in Japan as guest of the government of the city of Matsusaka, Japan. These concerts included two performances at the prestigious World Festival Exposition in Japan’s Mie Prefecture. Dr. Dregalla served as the Music Director and conductor of the Lincoln Civic Orchestra from 1986 to 1998. Dr. Dregalla has served on the executive board of both the Nebraska Music Education Association and the Nebraska State Bandmasters Association, and on the steering committee for the Nebraska Coalition for Music Education.

19 Nebraska Symphony Chamber Orchestra

Violin I Bass Horn Kim Salistean, Michael Swartz, Ric Ricker, Concertmaster Principal Principal Lisa Nielsen Hans Sturm Kim Beasley Vladislav Evstaviev Flute Harold Oliver Erin Aguirre John Bailey, Steven Cohen Kirsten Wissink Principal Trumpet Aleta Collier Betsy Bobenhouse Dean Haist, Principal Violin II Piccolo Donna Carnes, Becky van de Bogart Brad Obbink Principal Trombone Kristin Pfabe Oboe William McMullen, Terry Rush, Kara Baxter Principal Lisa Myers Principal Lindsay Wiley Nancy Vogt Charon Becker Tim Dickmeyer Viola English Horn Darci Gamerl Tuba Cindy Ricker, Ben Arunski Principal Clarinet Clark Potter Ed Love, Percussion Sarah Curley Principal Kevin Kroon Christine Widman Christy Banks Timpani Cello Bass Clarinet Rich Jones Tracy Sands, Jessica Lindsey Keyboard Principal Bassoon Loretta Love Karen Becker Karen Sandene, Harp Leslie Tien Principal Anita Jaynes Alyssa Storey Joyce Besch

Nebraska Symphony Chamber Orchestra 315 South 9th Street, Suite 110 Lincoln, NE 68508-2283 Phone 402.477.8008 • Fax 402.477.8222 [email protected] • artsincorporated.org/nsco

Dean W. Haist, Executive Director Staff: Aaron Beaver, Laney Boyd, Dave Bowden, Russell Cowan, Kaylene Diaz, Mitch Dunham, Tabitha Dunham, Ally Frame, Carrie Mardock, Katie Rice, Tammy Tanner, Nancy Vogt 20 The Nutcracker Story

Act 1 approximately 58 minutes Drosselmeier’s Workshop In his workshop one foggy Christmas Eve, Drosselmeier places the finishing touches on his beautifully crafted Nutcracker doll. This is a special gift for Clara, his goddaughter. It will be the crucial part of the magical evening he’s preparing for her. A Snowy Street Excited guests scurry along wintery streets to the Stahlbaum’s Christmas celebration. Drosselmeier shuffles through the snow, delivering his beloved gift. The Stahlbaum Ballroom The Stahlbaums welcome their guests with cheery toasts. Soon the party is filled with food, dancing, and gifts. The exciting night fills Clara with wonder. As the children settle down, Drosselmeier entertains the guests. He delights them with a puppet show and amazes them with his magic, life- sized, dancing dolls. Drosselmeier then gives Clara his most special gift, the Nutcracker doll. Full of delight, Clara dances with it until Fritz grabs the doll. The children’s struggle breaks the Nutcracker. Drosselmeier bandages the doll and returns it to Clara. A grand procession concludes the party. The Stahlbaums bid their guest farewell then retire upstairs. But Clara creeps back down, searching for her Nutcracker. Not wanting her party to end, she falls asleep on the sofa with the doll in her arms. The Ballroom Battle As Clara dreams, her mind whirls with memories of the evening. Then she’s frightened when mice sneak in. The clock strikes midnight. Appearing as an owl atop the clock, Drosselmeier puts a spell on the house. Clara sees the living room change and the Christmas tree grow larger and larger. The mice take her doll. Drosselmeier brings Clara a magic bed to keep her safe as she twirls in and out of her dream. In march brigades of soldiers followed by mice and the Mouse King. Drosselmeier’s magic transforms the small doll into a powerful soldier who leads the battle to protect Clara. But he falls from the Mouse King’s powerful stab. The Snowy Edges of the Forest The battle fades leaving Clara alone with the Nutcracker. Her tears and enduring love bring him another transformation; he becomes a handsome Prince. As snow begins to fall, the Snow King and Queen lead the couple through a swirling storm of dancing flakes and into an enchanted forest where a magic swan carries Clara and the Prince off to the Land of Sweets.

Intermission 25 minutes Act II approximately 55 minutes The Palace Clara and the Nutcracker Prince fly over the heavens to the Land of Sweets. The Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier greet them and introduce dancers from many lands. The dancers entertain the couple and bring them gifts. Fiery Spain brings chocolates; Arabian gives the alluring steam of coffee; China offers tea; Marzipans bring the song of reed pipes; Russians powerfully display their traditional Trepak dance; Mother Ginger cavorts with her tumbling Bon Bons. The Dew Drop Fairy enchants the couple with the swirling Waltz of the Flowers. Finally, the entertainment culminates with the elegant, noble dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Cavalier. The Awakening As the entertainment subsides, Clara’s dream ends, and the Land of Sweets fades away. Clara awakens back in her home. With her, we are left to wonder whether her journey was only a dream or was somehow true. The growing-up Clara, and all who believe, know that wonders happen for those who open their hearts to them. 21 2016 Nutcracker Cast

Act I Herr Drosselmeier: Benjamin Chandler Elves: Isabel Cardenas, Sianna Christy, Miley Green, Ava Keim, Julia Radu, Ava Snyder Clara: McKaylee True Fritz: Hudson Shaffer Dr. Stahlbaum: John Coffey Mrs. Stahlbaum: Betsy Andersen Big Party Girls: Tierny Blakenhorn, Josie Fillmore, Reagan Gadeken, Lena Lankas, Alexandra Linscott, Carissa Mitchell, Margaret Oulianova, Ansley Sothan Big Party Boys: Zachary Bushard, Hunter DeBoer, Eddie Lankas, Ethan Liphardt, Kevin Pynes, Nicholas Reed, Landon Reichmuth, Jack Shaffer Little Party Girls: Sophie Hacker, Karmi Jay, Malayah Long, Avery Noden Little Party Boys: Kason Cade, Kyan Jurgens, Noah Lyon, Cael Meranda Party Women: Elisa Linscott, Sarah McCurley, Jessica Olson, Kelley Peterson, Maggie Rawlings, McKenzie True Party Men: Stephen Cass, Matt Coffey, Mike Coffey, Dale Miller, Vladimir Oulianov First Maid: Allison McElroy Maids: Lillian Ball, Madison Croomes, Finley Peterson, Kiley Tomes Harlequin Doll: Matthew Hakel, Elyse Kohler Columbine Doll: Abigayle Reiber Jester Doll: Emily Yost Nutcracker Prince: Adam Bloodgood Mouse King: Corbin Reinhardt Big Mice: Cate Barry, Jordan Bussey, Murphy Cockson, Isabelle Douglas, Sarah Farritor, Ava Flood, Rylee Lingenfelter, Brenna McAdam, Ella Noecker, Emily Rutt, Ava Schmit, Ava Strunk, IvaMarie Volf Little Mice: Britta Carlson, Ruby Francisco, Grace Grogan, Olivia Grogan, Cammie Hodge, Kennedy Johnson, Avery Kirkland, Olivia Lovegrove, Alexandra Meyer, Elise Mielak, Isabella Provost, Bella Sjuts, Abbigail Swanson, Kiptara Thomas, Grace Troyer Soldiers: Savannah Brekke, Natalie Haney, Mia Hansen, Mary Householder, Anna Johnson, Chase Johnson, Phoebe Kolb, Kataryna Morton, Audrey Perry, Arianna Pickering, Isabella Skare, Jena Spomer, Ella Swank, Hattie Vyhlidal, Brianna Weers Captain of the Guard: Addyson Timmerman, Madison Wiens Snow Queen: Olivia Etherton Snow King: Nathan Powell Snow Princesses: Leah Andersen, Cristal Franco-Granados, Elyse Kohler, Emily Yost Snow Corps: Ashley Barry, Sarah DeBoer, Taylor Fry, Grace Herron, Camille Korte, Ava Lambe, Emma Luci, Allison McElroy, Kierstin Niemeyer, Abigayle Reiber, Nora Schlegel, Riley Struve

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Act II Sugar Plum Fairy: Anna Porter Cavalier: Journy Wilkes-Davis Angel Leads: Delaney Fitzke, Whitney Tomes Angel A (Saturday/Sunday Matinee): Ayla Brosman, Isabella Brown, Eloise Carter, Camina Dredge, Kaitlyn Friesen, Sophia Fox, Taryn Harrah, Milana Johnson, Avari Korsmo, Maddy Kotik, Natalie Leahy, Olivia McCurley, Hannah Rutt, Teagan Smith, Clara Thorson, Sophie Tomes, Twila Weber, Adah Wisnicki Angel B (Saturday, 7 p.m.): Maddie Bixenmann, Anna Cooney, Anna Deutsch, Laurelin Eide, Taryn Harrah, Olivia Myers, Kate Nolley, Sophie Ramsey, Kiennah Reimers, Jacie Robinson, Kloee Schwartz, Charlotte Shotkoski, Sidney Stephan, Ava Swank, Chessa Tompkins, Rilynn Whitney, Alaina Wilcox Sugar and Spice: Brynley Cooper, Stella Hutzler, Evelyn Jacoby, Ella Matoush, Ella Runyan, Georgia Wood Spain: Olivia Etherton Spanish Background: Sailor Burch, Ellie Cetak, Sage Linder, Cecilia Murphy, Amelia Shotkoski, Avery Stege, Brooklyn Westlund, Madison Wiens Arabian: Elyse Kohler, Matthew Fata, Cameron Wille Arabian Background: Audrey Bartek, Brooke Dlouhy, Nicole Fintel, Kelsey Hall, Alexandra Puls, Karli Wilson China: Grace Herron, Ava Lambe, Kierstin Niemeyer Chinese Lanterns: Abby Collier, Anneliese Hinrichsen, Camille Korte, Alexis Peterson, Rylee Tucker, Emily Vaggalis Marzipan: Leah Andersen, Emily Yost, Nathan Powell Russian: Sarah DeBoer, Matthew Hakel, Allison McElroy, Kiley Tomes Russian Background: Jane Anderson, Avalena Baird, Elizabeth Friend, Allyson Grieser, Olivia Lempka, Emma Lollman, Addyson Timmerman, Holly Tolliver Bon Bon: Annalise Aldag, Aubrey Aldag, Katherine Ball, Khataya Briones, Julia Cooper, Lily Jurgens, Madison Lester, Blythe Meranda, Audrey Rowell, Novalee Schmit Mother Ginger: Jessica Olson Dew Drop: Cristal Franco-Granados Demi Dews: Ashley Barry, Abigayle Reiber Flower Corps: Lillian Ball, Rose Copes, Taylor Fry, Skylar Hoxie, Emma Luci, Sydney Marra, Finley Peterson, Cecilia Pynes, Nora Schlegel, Riley Struve Garland Children: Evelyn Dahlman, Kathleen Drummond, Aubrey Hodge, Brianna Korta, Sidney Lovegrove, Lilly Michel, Kendra Riekenberg, Addison Scott, Aliyah Soliz, Destiney Watson, Ali Weber, Kaci Wood

The Lincoln Midwest Ballet Guild congratulates McKaylee True and John Coffey on 10 years of performances! 23 24 2016 Company Dancers

Leah Andersen . Snow Princess, Marzipan Leah is a freshman at Lincoln East High School, where she is a 4.0 honors student, and a member of the Apollonaires dance team. This is her seventh appearance in Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company’s production of The Nutcracker. Past roles have included Cinnamon, Little Party Girl, Spanish Background, Big Party Girl, and Flower Corps. In LMBC’s 2014 Snow White, Leah was one of the Seven Dwarfs. This past summer, Leah trained at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts on a full-tuition scholarship. She has also studied at Pacific Northwest Ballet in Seattle, Washington; Ballet West in Salt Lake City, Utah; and she received scholarships to study at the Kansas City Ballet, and Patel Conservatory-Next Generation Ballet. Leah competes regionally and nationally, and has won scholarships from Adrenaline, the New York City Dance Alliance, NUVO and 24-Seven. Leah competed at the 2016 Youth of America Grande Prix Chicago Semi-Finals, and received an invitation to attend the YAGP New York Finals Intensive. She looks forward to performing the Don Quixote “Dulcinea” variation at YAGP in February. When not dancing, Leah enjoys playing the violin, and participating in church activities

Lillian Ball . Maid, Flower Corps Lillian, 16, is a junior at Lincoln North Star High School, where she is the captain of the Dazzlers dance team. She is on the honor roll with a 4.0+ GPA, and earned a letter in academics. On her dance team, she received the TOP-All American award at the NDA camp this past summer. Lillian has been dancing since the age of two, and studies several different styles of dance including ballet, pointe, lyrical, contemporary, jazz, musical theatre, tap, and hip hop. In 2015, she was accepted into Youth Leadership Lincoln Class IX, where she enhanced her leadership skills. Along with Lillian’s involvement in the community, she enjoys spending her time singing in the LNS Concert Choir. Lillian spends her summers traveling to national events and camps, getting the opportunity to work with professional instructors and choreographers. One of her proudest achievements was in 2014, when she attended Spotlight Dance Cup Nationals, and received first overall national championship for her tapping, alongside her brother. In 2016, she attended the national finals again. She competed in the senior level for the first time, and placed in the top four with her lyrical solo.

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Lillian was also the National Spotlight Dance Cup Senior Dance Down Winner in 2016. Lillian has received many overall titles in all categories of dance throughout her years of training. Lillian also attended Adrenaline Dance Nationals, and was thrilled to placed in the top fifteen for the teen category. Lillian was privileged to dance in the opening ceremonies of the Special Olympics in 2010. Lillian has been honored to play many lead roles in the annual full-length ballet at her studio. Some of these roles consisted of Queen Elsa in Frozen in Time; Abu, the monkey, in Adventures of Aladdin; the little girl, Jane, in Practically Perfect with Mary; Violet Beauregarde in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory; and the Mad Hatter in Welcome to Wonderland. Lillian was accepted into the Kansas City Ballet, as well as receiving many scholarship to attend dance classes in New York. Most of Lillian’s time is spent at the dance studio taking classes, being a teacher’s assistant, and most importantly, being a role model throughout her community. Ashley Barry . Demi Dew, Snow Corps Ashley Barry is a junior at Pius X High School, where she is a member of the Thunderettes dance team. Ashley began dancing at the age of four, studying various styles of dance including ballet, jazz, contemporary, modern, tap, character, and musical theatre. This is Ashley’s fourth time performing in Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company’s, The Nutcracker. Ashley also had the opportunity to perform with Ballet Nebraska’s pre-professional company, performing roles in many of the company’s productions including Snow White, The Nutcracker, and Momentum. She has also performed in Omaha Under the Radar and Dance Omaha. She has competed in the Youth American Grand Prix, and various community events throughout Lincoln. When she is not dancing, she loves hanging out with friends and working at A Street Market.

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Rose Copes . Flower Corps Rose is a freshman honor roll student at Lincoln East High School, where she is a member of the Apollonaires dance team. This will be her seventh year participating in LMBC’s and Ballet Nebraska productions of The Nutcracker. Her roles with Ballet Nebraska were Party Girl, Chinese, and Baker. Roles with LMBC have been Peppermint, Sugar and Spice, and Chinese Lantern.Since attending her first Nutcracker at the age of three, this has been a magical tradition for her! Rose has been competing with her studio’s competitive team for the past six years. This past season, she received the title of Rainbow Dancer of the Year and Miss Primetime at the Omaha Regional Competitions. During Spotlight Midwest Nationals this past summer, she received overall second in the teen solo division, and runner up for National Teen Miss Spotlight. Rose has participated in a two-week jazz intensive in Chicago at the legendary Gus Giordano School of Dance. She has also attended the LMBC Summer Intensive for four years. This past summer, she attended Adrenaline Nationals in Orlando, Florida. Rose enjoys playing violin with the Lincoln East Ninth Grade Orchestra.

Madison Croomes . Maid Madison, 15, is a sophomore at Lincoln Southeast High School, where she maintains a 4.0+ GPA. She ended her freshman year in the top 3 percent of her class, and takes advanced science courses above her grade level. This will be her sixth appearance in The Nutcracker, having danced previously in the roles of Sugar and Spice, Big Mouse, Garland Child, Chinese Lantern, Big Party Girl, and Flower Corps. Outside of dance, Madison is a member of the LSE Speech team, writes as a part of the school newspaper, and plays flute in the marching band. She also was chosen to be first flute in her freshman concert band. Madison has attended summer intensives with LMBC, her home studio, Colorado Ballet, and the Kansas City Ballet School. This past February, she competed in the Youth American Grand Prix in Chicago. Madison feels honored to be performing as a company member in this magical holiday tradition.

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Sarah DeBoer . Russia, Snow Corps Sarah, 16, is a junior at Norris High School, where she is an honor roll student, and a member of FFA, the Norris Gold Show Choir, and the Norris Sapphires dance team. She has been dancing since the age of four, and feels blessed to be in her ninth Nutcracker performance. Her past roles have included Peppermint, Cinnamon, Little Party Girl, Garland Child, Chinese Lantern, Big Party Girl, Snow Corps, Flower Corps, and First Maid. Sarah is excited to have the opportunity to dance with her brother, Hunter, who is a Big Party Boy again this year! She has also been a member of LMBC’s productions of Snow White and Cinderella, has danced with the LMBC Summer Intensive for eight years, and has attended the Kansas City Ballet Intensive. Sarah thanks her studio dance teachers for their instruction, love, and support. She has been a member of her studio’s competition dance team for nine years and has earned several scholarships and awards. Beyond dance, Sarah enjoys being outdoors with her pets, participating in church activities, and spending time with her family and friends.

Olivia Etherton . Snow Queen, Spain Olivia is a senior at East High School. This is her eighth appearance in LMBC’s production of The Nutcracker. Past roles include Little Party Girl, Garland Child, Big Party Girl, Marzipan, Snow Corp, Snow Princess, and Dew Drop. At the age of 13, Olivia participated in the Junior Division of the Youth America Grand Prix ballet competition placing in the top 12 in both Classical and Modern Ballet. That same year, she was invited to study in the Professional Division of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada. Accepting the offer, Olivia studied abroad full time at RWB for two years under the direction of Arleen Minkhorst and Jacqueline Weber. This past summer, Olivia trained on scholarship at the Tulsa Ballet, and was invited to return to study with the Trainee Program. Olivia carries a 4.0+ GPA, is a member of the National Honor Society, an Ambassador for Lincoln East, and a member of Lincoln G.O.L.D. Olivia volunteers with the UNL State Museum’s Sunday with a Scientist program, and teaches Sunday school. She enjoys reading, photography, and hiking. Olivia is delighted to participate, one last time, in Lincoln’s holiday tradition, The Nutcracker. She would like to thank the dedicated staff and volunteers of LMBC who have created and sustained this unique performance opportunity for Lincoln area youth. 28 2016 Company Dancers

Cristal Franco-Granados . Dew Drop, Snow Princess Cristal is a senior at Lincoln Southwest High School, where she maintains a 4.0+ GPA, is on honor roll, and the top 3 percent of her class. At school, Cristal plays the flute in the Varsity Marching Band, is an National Honor Society officer, and is a LSW Ambassador. Cristal has studied ballet since she was three years old, and is delighted to be dancing in her seventh performance of The Nutcracker. In past years, her roles have included Demi Dew, Harlequin, China, Snow Corps, Arabian Background, Chinese Lantern, and Big Mouse. Cristal has also participated in previous LMBC productions of Snow White and Cinderella. During the summer, Cristal has attended various summer intensives with LMBC, her studio, and Kansas City Ballet. When Cristal is not busy juggling school, work, and dance, she enjoys volunteering at Bryan LGH East Hospital. She would like to thank her friends, family, and teachers for all their support throughout the years. Cristal is grateful for the memorable years spent with LMBC, and will enjoy every minute of her last Nutcracker performance. She hopes you will, too! Taylor Fry . Snow Corps, Flower Corps Taylor is a sophomore honor roll student at Lincoln Lutheran High School, where she is a member of the Blue Angels dance team and the choir. Her favorite time of year is Nutcracker season! She treasures the friendships and memories made throughout her years of dancing in the ballet. In the past, Taylor has competed and earned high score solo awards, as well as Rainbow’s Dancer of the Year title. This summer she attended UDA dance camp, where she received All American honors. Taylor has studied various styles of dance, but her love is classical ballet. She is currently training to participate in the Youth America Grand Prix ballet competition in Chicago this February. Taylor was accepted into summer programs such as the Joffrey Ballet and American Ballet Theatre, among others. She spent time this past summer studying in Phoenix at Ballet Arizona. Taylor is grateful to have been selected as a company dancer for the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company. She would like to dedicate her performance this year to her younger sister Grace, who is battling leukemia, and shares her sister’s passion for ballet.

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Grace Herron . Snow Corps, China Grace is a freshman at Lincoln East High School, where she is a member of the Apollonaires dance team. Grace is looking forward to her seventh performance in The Nutcracker. Her past roles include, Big Party Girl, Little Party Girl, Spanish Background, Garland Child, Cinnamon, and Peppermint. Grace also performed in LMBC’s 2014 production of Snow White as Grumpy. As a member of her studio’s competition team, Grace has traveled and attended many workshops and intensives. Grace has received scholarships and recognition from JUMP, Spotlight Dance Cup, 24/7 and NUVO Dance. She was a runner-up for Mini Outstanding Dancer by New York City Dance Alliance. She has also been chosen as an Adrenaline Crew member for two years. Grace is currently looking forward to competing in the Youth American Grand Prix ballet competition for the second time. She is currently studying ballet, pointe, jazz, contemporary, and tap. When not dancing, Grace enjoys spending time with her friends and family, reading, and playing with her cats. Grace is grateful for the support from her instructors and family.

Skylar Hoxie . Flower Corps Skylar is a freshman at Lincoln East High School, where she is a member of the Apollonaires dance team. She has been dancing for 12 years, during which she has studied ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, modern and contemporary. She is a third year assistant instructor for her dance studio, and she has been a member of their competitive team for nine years, competing both regionally and nationally. This is Skylar’s fifth year performing in The Nutcracker. Previous roles include Little Mouse, Big Mouse, Peppermint, Russian Background, and Chinese Lantern.

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Elyse Kohler . Arabian, Snow Princess, Harlequin Elyse is a senior honor roll student at Lincoln East High School. She is co-captain for the Apollonaires dance team, and was All-American for the UDA Elite dance camp this summer. She is a member of National Honor Society, HOSA, and is an Ambassador for Lincoln East. She volunteers at Saint Elizabeth Regional Health Center, and is an assistant dance teacher at her studio. She was selected for Lincoln G.O.L.D., and enjoyed the community involvement and philanthropy it provided. Elyse began dancing at the age of three, and studies ballet, pointe, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and tap. She danced the lead roles of Belle in Beauty and the Beast, Alice in Alice in Wonderland, and TinkerBelle in Peter Pan for her studio’s repertory performances. She has studied at the Joffrey Ballet in Chicago, and participated in True Dance Summer Intensive. She danced with Ballet Nebraska’s pre-professional company, and enjoyed performing in Snow White and The Nutcracker. Her previous roles in The Nutcracker are Columbine, Marzipan, Snow Princess, Flower Corps, Snow Corps, and Little Mouse. She is honored to be a member of the company, and grateful to be part of this holiday tradition. Camille Korte . Chinese Lantern, Snow Corps Camille has been dancing since the age of four. Her family moved to Lincoln this summer, and she is excited to dance in The Nutcracker this year. Camille has attended many summer intensives including Boston Ballet, Gelsey Kirkland Academy of Classical Ballet in New York, The School of American Ballet California Workshop, and San Diego Ballet. Camille has studied ballet at the Gelsey Kirkland Academy of Classical Ballet in New York, San Diego Ballet School, City Ballet San Francisco, San Francisco Ballet School, and the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore. Camille plans to participate in the Youth American Grand Prix ballet competition this winter. She is a freshman in high school. Camille is having fun exploring Nebraska, and getting to know Lincoln.

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Ava Lambe . Snow Corps, China Ava is a junior at Lincoln East High School, where she is a member of the Apollonaires dance team. This is Ava’s ninth year performing in The Nutcracker. Her past roles include Russia, Big Party Girl, Flower Corps, Snow Corps, Little Party Girl, Spanish Background, Garland Child, and Cinnamon. She also performed in LMBC productions of Snow White and Cinderella. Ava has been dancing since the age of three, and has been a member of her studio’s dance team since the age of five. She has competed and studied in Omaha, Kansas City, Des Moines, Denver, Chicago, and Las Vegas. This past summer, she attended nationals with her studio dance team in Orlando, Florida, and made many great memories. Ava has attended summer intensives with LMBC, Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, and at her studio. The Nutcracker is a very special holiday tradition for Ava and her family. Emma Luci . Snow Corps, Flower Corps Emma is a freshman at Lincoln East, and a member of the Apollonaires Dance Team. She began dancing at the age of two, and this is her seventh consecutive year in Lincoln’s Nutcracker. Previously, she has been Peppermint, Cinnamon, Garland Child, Chinese Lantern, and Big Party Girl. Emma enjoys many types of dance, taking classes in ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, and lyrical. She is a competitive dancer for a local dance team, and this year became a national title winner for Spotlight. Emma has been awarded many scholarships and awards through out the year, but continues to look forward to the ballet offered in Lincoln. In her rare free time, she enjoys reading, shopping, and spending time with her friends, family and pets. Emma is extremely grateful for the opportunities LMBC has awarded her, and so very excited for this year’s season to begin!

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Alison McElroy . Snow Corps, First Maid, Russia Allison is a Pius X High School senior, where she maintains a 4.0 GPA, is a co-captain of the Thunderette dance team, president of the senior class, founding member of Pre-Med club, and a member of Ambassadors and National Honor Society. She volunteers as a Girls on the Run coach, and is active in her church. In past Nutcracker productions, she has danced as Elf, Soldier, Chinese Lantern, Snow Corps, Russia and China. She enjoyed dancing in LMBC’s Cinderella and Snow White spring ballets. Allison currently studies many forms of dance, and is a dance teacher assistant. As a member of her studio’s competitive company, she has been a part of numerous award-winning dances, and received scholarships at competitions. She’s been named a high school All-American dancer three times, and was invited to join the Universal Dance Association staff. Last year, she was honored to receive the Nebraska Young Artist Award in dance from UNL, and danced the role of Mary Poppins in her spring recital. She has attended LMBC’s summer intensive, and Alonzo King LINES Ballet in San Francisco, California. Allison enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and cherishes this time of year with her Nutcracker family. Kierstin Niemeyer . Snow Corps, China Kierstin is a junior at Waverly High School, where she is a member of National Honor Society and the Pride of the Vikes marching band. She is very excited to be participating in her fourth performance of The Nutcracker. Her past roles include Arabian Background, Flower Corps, and Snow Corps. At her home dance studio this year, she balances her time between taking and teaching classes. This past summer, Kierstin was selected to participate in The Muse Experience, a two-week long intensive in Los Angeles, California. Kierstin would like to thank her family, teachers, and friends for all of their support that helped her get to where she is today!

LMBC thanks the following individuals who gave their time and skills to staff our first aid site: Marci Anderson, RN . Jill McAdam, PA Ann Seacrest, RN . Kenton Sullivan, MD

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Finley Peterson . Maid, Flower Corps Making her seventh appearance in The Nutcracker, Finley will once again take the stage. She started sweet as a Peppermint, added some Sugar and Spice, fought valiantly as a Toy Soldier, brought some light to her travels in China, arrived just in time for the Party (with her mom and twin brother) and now... she’ll clean house and be ready to bloom! Finley is a sophomore at Lincoln Southeast High School. This past year she competed at Youth American Grand Prix in Chicago, danced in two recitals and is a member of the Shirettes dance team. When not dancing, Fin can be found studying to maintain her honor roll status, being a part of Student Council, having a blast in Rocket Club and spending time with her family and friends. Cecilia-Marie Pynes . Flower Corps Cecilia-Marie is a 15-year-old sophomore honor roll student at Pius X High School, where she is a member of the Thunderette dance team. This is her sixth year performing in The Nutcracker, and second year as a company member. Her past roles include Big Mouse, Garland Child, Spanish and Russian Backgrounds, Flower Corps, and Snow Corps. She also enjoyed being a Flower of the Forest in LMBC’s production of Snow White in 2014. This past summer, she attended the Joffrey Ballet’s summer intensive in Chicago. Outside of dancing, Cecilia occupies her time participating in plays, competing on the school swim team, and spending time with family and friends.

Nebraska Brass and Friends Sunday, January 29 • 3:00 pm St. John’s Lutheran Church, Schuyler Sunday, February 12 • 3:00 pm First Central Congregational UCC, Omaha Nebraska’s most popular brass quintet Sunday, February 19 • 3:00 pm Centenary United Methodist Church, Beatrice Ticket Prices: Lincoln and Omaha Adult: $15 • Senior: $12 • Students Free Sunday, February 26 • 3:00 pm Immanuel Lutheran Church, Bellevue Other Communities Adult: $12 • Senior: $10 • Students Free Sunday, March 5 • 3:00 pm South Gate United Methodist Church, Lincoln [email protected] • 402.477.7899

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Abigayle Reiber . Columbine, Snow Corps, Demi Dew Abigayle is a 17-year-old senior at Pius X High School, where she is a member of the National Honor Society and a captain of the Thunderette dance team. This is her fifth year performing in The Nutcracker and her third year as a Company member. Her previous roles include Russian Background, Chinese Lantern, Flower Corps, Snow Corps, and China. This past summer, she attended Kansas City Ballet’s summer intensive for her second year. She has been dancing for fourteen years, and has been on her dance studio’s competition team for seven years. Abigayle studies ballet, pointe, lyrical, contemporary, jazz, and hip hop, and enjoys assisting classes at her dance studio. She has been awarded multiple scholarships at several regional dance competitions, and enjoys reading and drawing in her spare time.

Nora Schlegel . Snow Corps, Flower Corps Nora Lucille, 14, is a freshman at Lincoln Southwest High School. Nora is a member of Southwest’s Emeralds dance team, and fills the officer role of music coordinator. She participates in the gifted program, and especially appreciates the language arts. Nora has been dancing since the age of three. This year marks Nora’s seventh year dancing in The Nutcracker. Past roles have included Peppermint, Cinnamon, Garland Child, Spanish Background, and Big Party Girl. Nora has also danced with Omaha’s Ballet Nebraska in their 2013 performance of Alice in Wonderland, and with Omaha Under the Radar in a free form enactment at their annual experimental performance festival in the Midwest. Nora has participated in three competitive dance teams, and has won ballet scholarships at many regional competitions including the New York City Dance Alliance and Adrenaline Dance. Nora was awarded a full merit scholarship to participate at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts summer intensive in 2016. This is the second year Nora will dance at the Youth American Grand Prix in Chicago, performing a classical ballet variation from Raymonda, with choreography that is Ticket Prices: Lincoln and Omaha derived from Marius Petipa. Outside of dance, Nora enjoys the visual arts. Nora Adult: $15 • Senior: $12 • Students Free graciously thanks Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company and her dance coaches for the Other Communities opportunity to further study ballet. Adult: $12 • Senior: $10 • Students Free

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Riley Struve . Snow Corps, Flower Corps Riley is a 15-year-old sophomore honor roll student at East High School, where she is a member of the Apollonaires dance team. She is a member of her studio’s competition dance team, which travels to different venues and competes in a variety of dance genres. She has been dancing since she was three years old, taking classes in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and hip hop. This is Riley’s eighth year of appearing in The Nutcracker, which has provided her with many special memories. Her past roles in The Nutcracker include Snow Corps, Flower Corps, Big Party Girl, Little Party Girl, Garland Child, Cinnamon, and Peppermint. Riley loved being a Mouse in LMBC’s Cinderella, and enjoyed the role of Jewel Corps in Snow White. Riley has attended numerous ballet summer intensives over the years. They include the Houston Ballet in Houston, Texas; Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington, D.C.; Tulsa Ballet in Tulsa, Oklahoma; and the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company’s Summer Intensive. Outside of dance, Riley enjoys shopping, hanging out with friends and her family, including her dog, Spunky.

Kiley Tomes . Russia, Maid Kiley, 16, is a junior at Pius X High School and a 4.0 student. She is a captain of the Thunderettes dance team and has earned two time high school All-American honors. At Pius, Kiley is also a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, and Pius Ambassadors. She also maintains a part- time job. This is Kiley’s fifth Nutcracker performance. Past roles include Peppermint, Russian Background, Flower Corps, and Snow Corps. Kiley has been dancing since the age of four, and studies all disciplines of dance. As a member of her studio competitive team, she travels nationwide. Kiley is a teen national solo winner and the Spotlight triple crown winner, and has won several solo regional competitions for her lyrical and contemporary performances. She has been crowned Miss Showbiz, Miss Primetime, and Miss Spotlight. Kiley has been selected for several convention scholarships at NUVO, JUMP, KAR, and the elite dancer at West Coast Dance Explosion. This past regional year, she was selected as a member of the Adrenaline Performance Crew three times. Kiley has participated in several studio intensives, including Club Dance in Arizona, Pacific Coast Dance Fest, Motion 41 Ballet, and the LMBC Summer Intensive.

36 2016 Company Dancers

McKaylee True . Clara McKaylee is a junior at Lincoln East High School, where she is a member of the Lincoln East Apollonaire Dance Team. She has attended the following prestigious summer dance programs over her young career: Bolshoi Ballet Summer Program, The Rock School in Philadelphia, The Sessions Summer Dance Program in Connecticut, and Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet Summer Program. She also received a full four-year scholarship to train with Joffery Ballet in NYC. Mckaylee has competed regionally and nationally in dance conventions around the country since the age of 5, receiving prestigious awards and scholarships from master teachers such as Mia Michaels, Travis Wall, Stacey Tookey, Caroline Lewis, Chris Jacobsen and Ray Leeper. She has been awarded full-year dance scholarships to train with NUVO, JUMP, NYCDA, 24/7, NRG, Velocity, and Adrenaline Dance. McKaylee won the national title of Miss Junior Adrenaline, and has been first, second, and third place National Miss Teen Adrenaline. This summer, McKaylee won the national title of Miss Senior Adrenaline in Orlando, Florida. She received a 2-year full-ride dance scholarship with Adrenaline Dance Convention. This season, Mckaylee will travel to 22 states, assisting in classes and performing with Adrenaline Dance Company across the country. When she was 12, McKaylee won the regional YAGP contemporary division in Indianapolis. She danced in 44 shows of Cinderella in Los Angeles, and was the winner of Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition, a featured series on Lifetime TV, which was filmed in Los Angeles. McKaylee has performed various Nutcracker roles in LMBC productions such as Snow Queen, Snow Princess, Spain, Arabian, Marzipan, Jester Doll, Columbine Doll, Big Party Girl, Little Party Girl and Bon Bon. Her other LMBC production roles have included Jester and Princess in Cinderella, and Bluebird and Dopey in Snow White. McKaylee thanks everyone for inspiration and guidance in supporting her dream to dance. She has formed so many close friends at LMBC and truly loves this year’s cast of The Nutcracker!

37 2016 Company Dancers

Emily Yost . Jester, Snow Princess, Marzipan Emily is 15 years old, and a sophomore honor roll student at Pius X High School. This is her eighth appearance in The Nutcracker, with past roles including Cinnamon, Little Party Girl, Big Party Girl, Flower Corps, Snow Princess, and Marzipan. She has been dancing since the age of three, and has been fortunate to have studied at various summer ballet intensives throughout the country, including the Kansas City Ballet School, Joffrey Academy of Dance in Chicago, Bolshoi Ballet Academy, Bossov Ballet Theatre, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, and the American Academy of Ballet. She studies ballet, pointe, contemporary, and jazz. She has participated in the Regional Dance America Midstates Ballet Festival, and Youth America Grand Prix ballet competitions. Emily also enjoys being a member of the Pius X Thunderettes dance team, participating in her church youth group, reading, and spending time with her family, friends, and pets. She is honored and excited to be dancing again as an LMBC company member for a second year, and is very grateful to all of the many dance instructors in her life who have shared with her their time.

38 39 2016 Apprentice Dancers

Front row, seated on floor L to R:Lena Lankas, Reagan Gadeken; Second row, seated L to R: Tierny Blankenhorn, Emily Vaggalis, Rylee Tucker, Abby Collier; Third row: Maggie Oulianova, Sydney Marra, Olivia Lempka, Ansley Sothan, Josie Fillmore; Back row, standing L to R: Jane Anderson, Carissa Mitchell, Alexis Peterson, Nicole Fintel, Anneliese Hinrichsen, Alexandra Linscott Jane Anderson . Russian Background Jane Anderson, 14, is an eighth grade honor roll student at Pound Middle School. Jane has been dancing since the age of three, and has trained in classical ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, contemporary, lyrical, and hip hop. This is Jane’s second year performing in The Nutcracker, having danced previously in the role of Russian Background. Jane has been dancing with her studio’s competition team for the past six years, traveling to many venues, including Omaha, Kansas City, Branson, Chicago, and Oklahoma City. For the past two years, Jane has been selected to study at the Kansas City Ballet Summer Intensive program. Jane assists with beginning ballet classes at her studio, and has also spent the last four years helping with an adaptive dancing program, introducing the joy of dance to people with disabilities. Jane is excited to once again participate in The Nutcracker. Jane wishes to thank her dance instructors who have guided her and encouraged her to believe in herself. When not dancing, Jane enjoys listening to music, hanging out with her friends, and playing with her dog, Jax.

40 2016 Apprentice Dancers

Tierny Blankenhorn . Big Party Girl Tierny is a 13-year-old seventh grader at Lux Middle School. She has been dancing since she was three years old, starting at a dance and acrobatic studio in Texas, and continuing her dance training in Lincoln for 7 years. She competes on the competitive team at her studio. Her prior roles in The Nutcracker were Little Party Girl, Angel and Garland Child.

Abby Collier . Chinese Lantern Abby is a freshman at Lincoln East High School, where she is on the honor roll. She has been dancing for nine years, and this is her third appearance in The Nutcracker. Her past roles include Sugar and Spice and Spanish Background. Currently, Abby is studying ballet, pointe, lyrical, contemporary, jazz, musical theatre, and tap. She travels with her studio’s competitive dance team. When not on the dance floor, she enjoys shopping, being at the lake or pool, and spending time with her friends and family.

Josie Fillmore . Big Party Girl Josie, 14, is an eighth grader who studies online at home. Josie started dancing eleven years ago at the age of two. She is trained in classical ballet, pointe, lyrical, jazz, tap and hip hop. She has attended the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Summer Intensive for four years. Josie has been part of her studio dance team for over three years, winning several team and solo awards. In 2015, she won the Die Hard Dancer scholarship for ballet at NUVO, a national dance convention. This will be Josie’s fourth year performing in The Nutcracker. Her previous roles were Peppermint, Garland Child, and Chinese Lantern. Josie has been extremely blessed in having wonderful dance instructors. Someday she hopes to encourage young dancers, like the amazing teachers who have inspired her. When Josie is not at dance, she enjoys listening to music, choreographing her own dances, hanging with her friends and family, shopping, and watching anything on TV that is dance related.

41 2016 Apprentice Dancers

Nicole Fintel . Arabian Background Nicole is a sophomore at Lincoln East High School, where she maintains a 4.0+ GPA, and has received many academic awards and honors. This is Nicole’s ninth year in The Nutcracker, with past roles including Little Mouse, Peppermint, Big Mouse, Russian Background, and Maid. She also performed in LMBC’s production of Snow White. Nicole studies various styles of dance, and has participated in LMBC’s Summer Intensives, along with her studio’s summer intensives. Outside of dance, Nicole enjoys playing violin, reading, and traveling. She is currently an intern for U.S. Congressman Brad Ashford.

Reagan Gadeken . Big Party Girl Reagan is a seventh grade homeschool student. She is honored to participate in The Nutcracker for the fourth time. Her previous roles have been Little Mouse, Little Party Girl, and Sugar and Spice. Reagan enjoys ballet, pointe, modern, and contemporary dance classes. She was privileged to work with dancer/choreographer Noah Gouldsmith last summer. Reagan has found many outlets for her creativity. She bakes and decorates cakes, crochets Amigurumi animals, and designs and sews American Girl doll clothes. Reagan is a library volunteer and is on the Teen Advisory Board of Gere Library. Reagan also enjoys playing the guitar for her youth group band and singing in the all girls choir at her church. Spending time with her four siblings and parents is how Reagan prefers to spend her free time. She is so grateful for all the blessings she has received. Reagan is also thankful for the dance teachers she has had over the years that have invested their time and talents with her.

Anneliese Hinrichsen . Chinese Lantern Anneliese, 14, is a freshman at Lincoln Southwest High School. She was a recipient of the President’s Award for Educational Excellence. Anneliese has been dancing for 11 years, training in ballet, pointe, modern, contemporary, jazz, and musical theatre. She is currently a member of her studio’s competition team. Her previous roles in The Nutcracker include Spanish Background and Russian Background. She has attended the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Summer Intensive for three years. Anneliese has performed at Jump dance convention in Dallas, receiving a high gold. She had the opportunity to dance at Omaha Under the Radar, a performing arts festival. In her free time, she enjoys reading, drawing and volunteering with her church. She also plays the violin and is a member of the Lincoln Southwest Orchestra.

42 2016 Apprentice Dancers

Lena Lankas . Big Party Girl This is Lena’s fifth year dancing in The Nutcracker. Lena is an honor roll student at Lux Middle School. She has danced in numerous ballets over the years including Pocahontas, Snow White and The Snow Queen. The highlight of this year was performing with Justin Bieber in the Purpose Tour at Pinnacle Bank Arena. She would like to thank her family, friends, and dance teachers for supporting her and her dreams.

Olivia Lempka . Russian Background Olivia Lempka, 14, is an eighth-grade student at Park Middle School, where she maintains an “A” average and strives for academic achievement. Olivia has received high academic awards throughout middle school. Her favorite subjects are science and math. Olivia’s love of dance and dedication began at the early age of three. Since then, she has competitively danced for six years with the traveling teams at her studio. This will be her second year performing in The Nutcracker, her previous role being a Little Mouse. Outside of dance, Olivia enjoys spending time with her friends and family, shopping, playing intramural volleyball, participating in track and field at school, and hunting with her dad.

Alexandra Linscott . Big Party Girl Alexandra Linscott, 14, started dancing at the age of three. Alex is a member of Ballet Nebraska II, the professional company’s junior company. This is Alex’s seventh appearance in LMBC’s The Nutcracker. In 2016, Alex performed the lead role of Charlie in Nebraska Ballet Theater’s ballet production of Willy Wonka and Chocolate Factory. She danced the role of Bashful in LMBC’s Snow White. In 2014, Alex co-choreographed “First Born,” a lyrical piece she and her mother performed together with Lincoln Contemporary Dance Project. She has participated in numerous competitions and master classes in various genres of dance including jazz, contemporary, lyrical, musical theater, and ballet. She is in her third year of competing in Youth American Grand Prix in both classical ballet and contemporary divisions. For the past six years, Alex participated in various local summer intensive dance programs. She has training in voice and theater. When not dancing, Alex delivers straight A’s in school and enjoys art, singing, playing her oboe, and spending time with friends.

43 2016 Apprentice Dancers

Sydney Marra . Flower Corps Sydney is excited to be dancing in her eighth Nutcracker performance! Her past roles include Cinnamon Candy, Big Mouse, Little Party Girl, Garland Child, Big Party Girl, Chinese Lantern, and Maid. She has performed in Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company’s productions of Snow White and Cinderella, and enjoys attending the LMBC Summer Intensive. She has been dancing for eleven years, taking lessons in ballet, pointe, lyrical, tap, jazz, and hip hop. Sydney is a sophomore home-schooled student. She also enjoys drama, vocal, and music performance. She has played piano for twelve years, and loves playing for her youth group senior high band. She also performs with the Girls’ Choir. When not dancing, she enjoys reading, babysitting, and spending time with her friends and family.

Carissa Mitchell . Big Party Girl Carissa, 13, is an eighth-grade student at Scott Middle School. She started her dance training at the age of three. This will be her fifth year performing in The Nutcracker. Her past roles have included Little Mouse, Cinnamon, and Garland Child. Carissa has also been a member of LMBC’s production of Snow White as the dwarf, Happy. She has danced with the LMBC Summer Intensive for several years. Carissa has attended summer dance programs at Broadway Dance Center in Manhattan, NY, and Ballet Austin in Austin, TX. She has been a member of her studio’s competition team for five years. She is a top regional and national competitor and has earned several scholarships and awards.

Maggie Oulianova . Big Party Girl Maggie is in the seventh grade at Scott Middle School, where her favorite subject is math. She has been dancing since age two, and has won first places at Adrenaline, NRG, Revolution, Starstruck, KAR, and Spotlight. She has been awarded Adrenaline Crew and NRG Prodigy scholarships, and attended Adrenaline Nationals in Orlando and Las Vegas. Maggie has participated in several summer programs including Muse Dance Effect, Ballet Austin, and LMBC. In past Nutcracker productions, Maggie danced as Cinnamon, Garland Child, Little Party Girl, and Angel Lead. In 2014, she was Dopey in Snow White. Maggie thanks her teachers for pushing her to be a better dancer, and she appreciates the support her family has given her. When not dancing, she loves spending time with her friends and family, shopping, travelling, skiing, and going 4-wheeling.

44 2016 Apprentice Dancers

Alexis Peterson . Chinese Lantern Alexis Peterson is a sophomore honor roll student at Lincoln East High School. This is her fourth year being in The Nutcracker, and her previous roles have been Chinese Lantern, Arabian Background, and Soldier. The Nutcracker is something she always looks forward to every Christmas. Alexis is a member of her studio’s dance competition team. She has traveled and attended many workshops and competitions, studying all styles of dance and earning awards for her individual and group dances. This past summer, she attended Ballet Austin’s summer intensive. Alexis has attended Colorado Ballet and LMBC’s Summer Intensive in the past, and goes to her studio’s summer intensive each year. At school, Alexis is a member of Key Club, participating in community service activities. When Alexis is not dancing, she likes to play with her dog, spend time with friends, and travel with her family. She is very grateful that her family supports her in dance and she appreciates having great dance instructors!

Ansley Sothan . Big Party Girl Ansley, 12, is excited to perform for the fifth year in The Nutcracker. Her previous roles include Peppermint, Elf, Garland Child, and Angel Lead. Ansley began dancing at the age of two. She competes in ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, musical theatre, lyrical, and contemporary, both regionally and nationally. She was Rainbow’s 2012 Dancer of the Year and has won several other competitions and scholarships. Ansley is competing for the second time in Youth American Grand Prix, the largest student ballet competition for dance students 8-19 years old. She has had the privilege to take master classes from Misha Tchoupakov, Anna Porter, and Allison Debona, in addition to classes at the Joffrey Ballet School in Chicago. She has attended the summer intensive at LMBC for three years and recently attended Ballet Austin in Austin, Texas. She played Sneezy in LMBC’s production of Snow White. Ansley is a seventh grade honor roll student and class representative for Student Council at Pound Middle School. Outside of school, Ansley is a competitive golfer and tennis player. She is active in Girl Scouts, Priceless Preteen Leadership Camp, and is participating in the Duke TIP program. Ansley also studies Chinese, Spanish and piano.

45 2016 Apprentice Dancers

Rylee Tucker . Chinese Lantern Rylee is a 14-year-old freshman at East High School. She has been dancing for 12 years, studying ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and hip hop. Rylee has been dancing on her company’s competition team for seven years. This is her seventh year performing in The Nutcracker. Her previous rolls include Peppermint, Elf, Garland Child, and Russian Background. In her free time, Rylee enjoys hanging out with friends and family, going shopping, and going to the pool.

Emily Vaggalis . Chinese Lantern Emily is an eighth grader at Lux Middle School. She has been dancing since the age of three and is excited to participate for the fourth year on her studio’s competitive company. Emily currently studies ballet, pointe, lyrical, contemporary, jazz, tap, and hip hop. As a member of her competition team, Emily has traveled across the Midwest attending many workshops and conventions. Emily has received awards and recognition at Leap, Star Power, Spotlight Dance Cup, Bravo, and Adrenaline. This past year, Emily was honored receive the Leap Above Dynamic Dancer Award. She looks forward to being a Dynamic Dancer Model. Emily absolutely loves Christmas and the spirit of the Holiday. She can’t wait to experience the magic of the Nutcracker stage for the first time.

2016 Understudies

Ava Lambe: Understudy First Maid Taylor Fry: Understudy Harlequin Sarah DeBoer: Understudy Arabian Olivia Etherton: Understudy Jester Rylee Tucker: Understudy Party Girl Cristal Franco-Granados: Understudy Marzipan Olivia Lempka: Understudy Party Girl Grace Herron: Understudy Marzipan Abby Collier: Understudy Party Girl Finley Peterson: Understudy Russia Jane Anderson: Understudy Party Girl Lillian Ball: Understudy Snow Corps Riley Struve: Understudy China Skylar Hoxie: Understudy Snow Corps Emily Yost: Understudy Clara Cecilia Pynes: Understudy Snow Corps Allison McElroy: Understudy Columbine Kylie Tomes: Understudy Snow Corps Leah Andersen: Understudy Dew Drop Ashley Barry: Understudy Snow Princess Nora Schlegel: Understudy Demi Dew Understudy Spain Madison Croomes: Understudy Flower Corps Kierstin Niemeyer: Understudy Snow Princess Elyse Kohler: Understudy Snow Queen

46 Friends of Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company

The Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company and Board of Directors would like to thank these businesses and individuals for their generous support as Friends of the ballet.

Diamond Level · $2,000 and up Brent & Robin Korte Mann Custom Homes

Platinum Level · $1,000 - $1,999 Dr. Cori S. Amend & Ryan Sothan James C. and Rhonda S. Seacrest The Dance Shoppe Foundation Lisa Gillespie Kent and Ann Seacrest Harrah’s Electric Kenton Sullivan Nelnet Talent Plus Gold Level · $500 - $999 Silver Level · $250 - $499 Kellie Fillmore, J4K Cleaning Joy & Lori Copes Tonya Montanez Brian & Shelley Hall Runza Restaurants KidGlov Karen Straub Jeff & Christine Mann Libby and Dan Tomes Sarah & Greer McCurley Keith & Jan Prettyman Megan & Curtis Ruwe Bronze Level · $100 - $249 William & Vicki Schulenberg Dennis & Beth Bartek Donald & Susan Steinegger Mike & Maxine Buchardt Jennifer Carter & Andy Barry Copper Level · $10 - $99 John Coffey Dean & Maria Eisenhauer Dani Davis Melanie Gibson Taylor Fry: Understudy Harlequin Michael & Rita Dowd Lucas Hadenfeldt Olivia Etherton: Understudy Jester Kelly Duncan Linda Laird Cristal Franco-Granados: Understudy Marzipan Grace Herron: Understudy Marzipan Gayle Ellis Joyce Latrom Finley Peterson: Understudy Russia Stan & Debby Erickson Grace Mann Lillian Ball: Understudy Snow Corps Donn & Cathy Mann Carolyn & Daryl Mitchell Skylar Hoxie: Understudy Snow Corps Andrea McClymont Glenda Nelson Cecilia Pynes: Understudy Snow Corps Chris & Shari True Jennifer Peters Kylie Tomes: Understudy Snow Corps Renee Yost Lana Peterson-Pressler Ashley Barry: Understudy Snow Princess Paul & Angie Schlender Understudy Spain Kierstin Niemeyer: Understudy Snow Princess Tami Uribe Elyse Kohler: Understudy Snow Queen Susan Weber Kate Wilson Terra Young 47 2016 Lyle Johnson Award

In 1995, Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company created this award as a memorial to Lyle Johnson. As co-founder and president of our predecessor organization Ballet Midwest, Lyle was committed to building an organization, and he worked persistently for its goals. The annual award recognizes an individual or organization for similar outstanding support of the ballet company. This year’s award is presented by members of the Lyle Johnson family. Past recipients have been Alice Abel, Kathleen Allen, Bryan LGH Medical Center, Lana Brennan, Joan Chopp, Ron Colin, Susan Chowning-Rickets, Michael Dowd, Richard Evans, Jim Lauerman, the Lied Center for the Performing Arts, Angie Muhleisen, the Nebraska Symphony Chamber Orchestra and its conductor Dr. Herbert Dregalla, Jr., Burton Schernikau, Susan Steinegger, Jim Stuart, Shari Styskal, Molly Thomas, Shari True, Ann Watson and Tom Curtright. This year’s recipients are Donna and John Himmelberger; both are longtime members of Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company’s production staff. Together they have accrued almost 45 years of service to LMBC. Donna joined our staff in 1992 as Hair and Make-up Designer. Over the years, she has also been Costume Designer and Assistant Costumer for The Nutcracker. In addition, she contributes to the success of our artists-in-residence program, Backstage at the Ballet. Through her demonstrations, thousands of Lincoln elementary students have seen how costumes and make-up bring characters to life. She then helps students create original costume designs. Currently, Donna is Costume Designer for the Doane College Theater Department. John Himmelberger has worked with LMBC since 1996. He designed the lighting for our Nutcracker and each year continues to supervise the illumination of our production. He has worked for a variety of Nebraska arts organizations and currently is the Stage Lighting and Production Specialist for the Lied Center for the Performing Arts. We thank Donna and John for their many contributions to bringing this gorgeous production to Lincoln audiences.

48 In Support of the Arts Since 1987

AMERICAN MUSIC CORPORATION ASSOCIATION OF NONPROFIT EXECUTIVES CAPITAL JAZZ Society DEAN HAIST ENTERPRISES LINCOLN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION GARDEN PERFORMANCE SERIES LINCOLN MUNICIPAL BAND LINCOLN MIDWEST BALLET COMPANY NEBRASKA BRASS NEBRASKA JAZZ ORCHESTRA NEBRASKA SYMPHONY CHAMBER ORCHESTRA NEBRASKA TRUMPET ENSEMBLE

DEAN HAIST  President AARON BEAVER  Capital Jazz Society, Nebraska Trumpet Ensemble, Advertising DAVE BOWDEN  Database Administrator LANEY BOYD  Educational Outreach, Lincoln Municipal Band, Nebraska Brass RUSSELL COWAN  Accounting KAYLENE DIAZ  Association of Nonprofit Executives, Foundation Garden Performance Series, Assistant Librarian, Social Media MITCH DUNHAM  Nebraska Jazz Orchestra, Nebraska Trumpet Ensemble, FCLT Brass TABITHA DUNHAM  Nebraska Brass, Lincoln Municipal Band ALLY FRAME  Graphic Design CARRIE MARDOCK  Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company KATIE RICE  Music Librarian, Development Coordinator, Administrative Assistant TAMMY TANNER  Marketing, Assistant Librarian NANCY VOGT  Musician Coordinator

315 South 9th Street, Suite 110 Lincoln, Nebraska 68508-2283 Phone 402-477-8008 www.artsincorporated.org [email protected] Fax 402-477-8222

49 50 Congratulations 2016 Nutcracker Cast!

Jaime Incontro, CPP Photographer/Owner www.purpleskyproductions.com 402-770-7576

51 Join Us. There’s No Place Like the Ballet.

Become a member of the Friends of Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company, to help ensure the art of dance remains an essential part of our community.

Use the envelope in this program to join today!

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