‘A Night at the Ballet’

By Dr. Ginger Gabriel

Special to the Alpine Mountaineer

“A Night at the Ballet” was a huge success. Once again Sharon McCormick, founder and owner of the Lake Arrowhead Classical School of Ballet, coordinated a brilliant performance.

Performing for the last time as high schoolers were Chloe Hoard, Ryelee Malone, Emerson Knight and Julia Bobadilla. Giving promise of a brilliant annual production of The Nutcracker next season were those still in high school: Nina Hidajat, Molly Galbreath, Emily Galbreath, Grace Stout and Charlotte Hopper. All these young ladies brought the sold-out audience to a standing ovation at the evening’s conclusion.

Chloe Hoard has been dancing with Lake Arrowhead Classical School of Ballet for 10 years. For the past two summers, she has attended the prestigious Boston Ballet’s summer dance program. When asked about her favorite part to play in The Nutcracker, she replied, “Performing the role of Clara in last Christmas’s presentation of The Nutcracker!” As for her future goals after graduation from Rim High School, Chloe said, “I plan on pursuing a career in human biology or having a professional ballet career with the Boston Ballet.”

“I have always had a passion for dance,” said Ryelee Malone. “My 10 years of dance has really shaped me into the person I am today. I’ve enjoyed every moment on stage. The friendships are so important to me. I’ve learned how to express myself through movement. In the future I would like to continue to dance.”

Julia Bobadilla said that she graduated early, so she is already in an EMT program at Crafton Hills. She said that ballet has taught her responsibility and dedication. She is used to long hours of practice and working until things were perfect. She wants to be a fire paramedic.

“Dancing has been my passion since I was 3,” said Emerson Knight. “It has shaped my life in profound ways. It’s taught me discipline, creativity and the importance of teamwork. I’m incredibly grateful for the lifelong friendships I’ve made through dance. As I approach graduation, I’m excited to transition into the EMT program. After that, I plan on finding a fire station to join. Though my path is changing, the lessons and friendships from dance will always be a part of who I am.”

The students who presented “A Night at the Ballet” included (back row) Chloe Hoard, Grace Stout, Nina Hidajat, Emerson Knight, Julia Bobadilla, Ryelee Malone, Charlotte Hopper; (front row) Emily Galbreath, Molly Galbreath.

The other dancers from “A Night at the Ballet” shared how ballet shaped their life goals.

Junior Grace Stout has been dancing most of her life. “Dance has been my passion since I was 3 years old. I love it because it allows me to escape reality and connect with my body to create my own reality through movement. Through dance, I gain valuable life skills, such as spatial awareness and discipline. I plan to attend college to become a physical therapist for athletes,” Grace said.

“I have been dancing for almost my entire life,” Nina Hidajat said. “It’s a huge part of my life. My passion for dance will never change. Dance has opened countless doors for me such as the chance to study in New York for a summer program with Joffrey Ballet. In the future I hope to continue dance as a hobby and attend a four-year university to become a dentist.”

Molly Galbreath said that she has been dancing at the Lake Arrowhead Classical Ballet Company for 12 years. “Dance is a large part of my life. It has taught me the important life skills of responsibility and teamwork. I would love to continue dance through college; however, my dream career is filmmaking. I attribute my hard-working nature to Sharon McCormick’s vigorous teaching. I hope to make her proud in every endeavor.”

“I have been dancing since I was 3years old at Lake Arrowhead Classical Ballet Company,” said Emily Galbreath. “I have loved every bit of it. In the future I want to pursue a career in graphic design. In dance, I love how close we all are and how my fellow dancers support me.”

Charlotte Hopper has been dancing with Lake Arrowhead Classical Ballet Company for nine years. “Dancing has helped me improve my self-confidence and spatial awareness,” she said. “I may want to go into engineering or to dance professionally. Dance has opened great opportunities for me. I thank all my teachers for helping me succeed and thrive as a dancer.”

A final big thank you was expressed to Jeff Heisler of Heisler Theater and the Tudor House for coordinating and hosting this event.   For more information on the Lake Arrowhead Classical Ballet Company, visit www.lakearrowheadschoolofdance.com.