Local Ballet Company Presents New Original Performance in Glendale, Featuring Local Professional and Amateur Talent
La Cañada, CA — Aerin Holt of California Contemporary Ballet (www.CalBallet.com), the originator of the popular ballet “The Snow Queen,” has created a production she has long dreamed of: a full-length ballet adapted from Hans Christian Andersen’s story “Thumbelina.” Jaclyn Stryker, a professional dancer and resident of La Crescenta, stars in the title role.
Featuring original choreography by Aerin Holt and an original musical score by composer and orchestrator Dwight Bernard Mikkelsen, the performance will be premiering in Glendale on June 29th and 30th. “Thumbelina” ballet, like “The Snow Queen,” is a classic fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, the author of such immortal fables as “The Steadfast Tin Soldier” and “The Ugly Duckling.”
Having produced the popular seasonal piece “The Snow Queen” for fifteen consecutive years, Ms. Holt felt it was time to create a new ballet for her company. “Thumbelina is a story that I've thought about for a long time,” she says. “I had a certain ideal for the music, and I envisioned a set with oversized flowers and toadstools that would create a world in which my dancers could appear tiny—the size of your thumb.”
Jaclyn Stryker warms up in a corner of the studio, quietly wincing at the pain from a sore muscle in her hip. But, continues to extend her right foot high above her head and stretching it around into an arabesque. Ms. Stryker, a resident of La Crescenta, has recently returned to her roots in Los Angeles’ foothill communities from San Francisco, where she performed with several professional dance companies.
The star of the piece, Ms. Stryker, who received her core dance training from California Dance Arts and who has danced already in many original roles under Aerin Holt's artistic direction, has often heard Ms. Holt speak about creating a ballet adapted from Andersen’s story of Thumbelina. “It's been Aerin's dream to create this ballet for as long as I can remember,” says Ms. Stryker. “She made it sound fantastic and I wanted to be a part of it.”
When Ms. Holt first spoke of the idea to friend and prolific classical composer Dwight Bernard Mikkelsen of Lakeview Terrace, Mikkelsen loved the idea, and immediately began composing music in earnest. “I was very impressed with his musical interpretations,” says Holt.
Ms. Holt is largely responsible for the ballet's choreography, but she was delighted to collaborate with Lynn Bryson Pittenger on certain sections of the ballet, very much including the delivery of the final scene: Thumbelina's arrival at the Vale of the Fairies. This is the scene in which Holt plans to create the essence of a fairy world. Thanks to donations and volunteer contributions of work and materials, the sets will indeed include ten foot tall flowers, some five foot toadstools, and the famous tulip from which Thumbelina is born—which will actually open its petals to release her onto the stage.
“The story of Thumbelina is certainly a child's fairy tale,” maintains Holt. “However, through quality music, choreography and dancing, it can be told with depth and emotion so adults can appreciate it as well.” With a melding of contemporary dance, classical ballet and aerial arts, this performance is an excellent choice for the entire family.
“Thumbelina” by California Contemporary Ballet Los Angeles premieres at Glendale Community College (1500 N. Verdugo Road, Glendale, CA) on June 29th at 7:30 PM, and on June 30th at 2:00 PM. Tickets are $20–$30 at www.CalBallet.com. Group tickets are also available.
California Contemporary Ballet
Back Stage with CCB's Ryan Morrison
Back Stage with California Contemporary Ballet gives you an inside look into what it's like to be part of this remarkable company, and the lives of the dancers who make up the ensemble. This week, we get up close and personal with CCB's Ryan Morrison.
Hometown: Pasadena, CA
Favorite Dancer (living or dead): Angel Corella
I find it's not one performance or another. When I watch dance it makes me want to get up and join in. So pursuing dance as a career made sense.
Where did you train? Any memorable teachers or programs?
What’s your favorite style of dance to perform?
I don't have a favorite particular style. I would have to say my favorite thing to perform is something with a storyline. I really enjoy acting as well as dancing, so putting them together is super fun.
What do you feel is the biggest challenge of being a dancer in Los Angeles?
How little opportunity there is for work. Most dance in L.A. is back-up, booty-shaking or hip hop. Ballet just isn't very popular in L.A.
I joined CCB when I was nine as a junior member, back when it was called "Dance Street Performers." And I've stuck with 'em while the company evolved from a group of young kids to a professional dance company.
What has been your favorite piece to perform with CCB?
Although it was murder, I think Blind Journey is still one of my favs.
{Ryan with fellow company member Jaclyn Stryker in Quintessence}
Why do you dance? What keeps you going with it?
Girls...no, just kidding! There is a certain amount of communication you can deliver using your whole body which you can't do in the other arts. Being able to do that (communicate) to an audience is one of the best feelings. I guess performing is what keeps me going.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I don't really know, hopefully still dancing.
Any advice for young dancers just starting out?
Do you have any pre-performance rituals or superstitions when you’re backstage?
Well, if I am partnering I like to do all of my warm-ups with the person I am working with and I have to listen to some jamming music to get me pumped up.
Meet all the members of CCB each week here on the CDA blog and for upcoming performances and more information visit CCB's website.
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