The Snow Queen and King and their Snowflakes are in desperate need of new costumes and a new snowy forest backdrop for our upcoming performances of the Nutcracker, December 16th - 18th, 2011. We are thrilled to announce that we will also be doing a private performance for the patients of Shriners Childrens Hospital. Our costumes are right now in production with a very well respected costume designer and we MUST raise the funds quickly in order to make sure they can be completed in time for the show. Thank you for your generous support!!

About Pamela Hayes Classical Ballet

Pamela Hayes Classical Ballet (PHCB) is a pre-professional non-profit ballet dedicated to the preservation of classical ballets such as Paquita, Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, Swan Lake and Les Sylphides, one of the oldest ballets still danced today. PHCB has been a vibrant part of our community for nearly 18 years and through the generous support of the community and donors like you, PHCB brings these wonderful ballets to our community several times a year with notable performances during the year and of course, the beloved Nutcracker during the holidays.

Among the many ballet disciplines, Pamela Hayes Classical Ballet bases its training in the Royal Academy of Dance, the largest teaching organization in the world. This approach emphasizes a combination of correct anatomical placement and strong techniques which allows for greater artistic freedom. The studio focuses on training bodies for a lifetime of dancing, free of the injuries that cut so many young dancers’ dreams short.

Internationally recognized most notably by Britain’s Royal Ballet Director Monica Mason… “the purity of [Pamela Hayes] training with such great care and attention to detail was very impressive” … Artistic Director Pamela Hayes brings a wealth of knowledge to our community from a professional career spanning over 25 years.

Artistic Direction

Pamela Hayes, Artistic Director

Born and raised in England, Pamela trained and began her professional career with the Royal Ballet in London. During an exciting and successful performing career, which took her all over the world, Pam had the opportunity to dance many traditional and varied roles, including that of the Sugar Plum Fairy and Snow Queen in the Nutcracker. Performing with the Oregon Ballet Theatre, Ballet Oregon, Ballet West, and Eugene Ballet, Pam discovered another art form: That of teaching and passing on the knowledge and training she had taken for granted. Pam believes strongly in the power of solid, pure training and how it can lift a modestly talented dancer into a beautiful and even great dancer. Her teaching has been recognized for its cleanliness, purity and attention to detail, both artistically and anatomically. Pamela is very proud to present the Pamela Hayes Classical Ballet Company, which under her artistic direction, continues to bring classical ballets of the highest quality to our local community.

SYNOPSIS

It’s Christmas Eve at the Silberhaus home. A majestic tree sparkles and the Silberhaus are hosting their annual Christmas party, welcoming the arrival of their guests. The children, Clara and Fritz, are dancing and playing as they welcome their friends too. The parents give toys to all the children. Suddenly, a mysterious figure appears. It is Herr Drosselmeyer, inventor and toymaker. He entertains the guests with magical tricks and life-size dolls. Herr Drosselmeyer gives Clara the best gift of all - a wooden nutcracker. Fritz becomes jealous and grabs the nutcracker and it breaks. Clara is heartbroken, but Herr Drosselmeyer fixes it with a handkerchief. As the evening grows late, the guests depart and the family retires for the evening. Clara, worried about her beloved Nutcracker, sneaks back to the tree to check on him and falls asleep with him in her arms.

As the clock strikes midnight, Clara wakes up to a frightening scene. The toys come to life as room fills with an army of mice led by the fierce Mouse King. Clara's Nutcracker valiantly leads his army of toy soldiers into battle against the mice. The Mouse King corners the Nutcracker and engages him one-on-one. All seems lost until Clara distracts the Mouse King and Nutcracker is able to prevail. The mice run away, carrying off their leader's lifeless body.

After a breathtaking journey through the enchanting Land of Snow with it's regal Queen and King and their swirling snowflakes, Clara and the Prince arrive in the Kingdom of Sweets and they are greeted by the Sugar Plum Fairy. They tell her about the daring battle, and she is so impressed that she honors Clara with a lavish celebration. Dances are presented for Clara's enjoyment. As a finale, the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier perform a pas de deux.

When the celebration is over, Clara and her Prince arrive home. Clara's magical journey ends, leaving her with enchanting memories. Was it all a dream?

Guest Artist Michael Onstad reprises his role as Herr Drosselmeyer. He first performed as Drosselmeyer with Ballet West under Willam Christensen, the first choreographer to do the full-length Nutcracker in the United States, and worked closely with him on the role for the next twelve years. Known as a versatile and secure partner, Michael has danced as an artist with the Sacramento Ballet, the Eugene Ballet, the Copenhagen Summer Tivoli, and over a dozen other companies in many classical and modern roles. Working also as a teacher, mime, choreographer and designer, Michael is sought-after to perform as Drosselmeyer each year.

Get your tickets today! Buy online at ThreeStages.net, by calling 916-608-6888, or visit the Three Stages box office.
Friday December 16th at 7:30 and Sunday December 18th at 7:30. Special Private performance for the patients of Shriner's Children's Hospital Saturday.