THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS!
AUDI SALT LAKE CITY
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ZOO ARTS AND PARKS
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SPECIAL THANKS TO
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SERENA WEBB DANCE THEATER PRESENTS
THE NUTCRACKER AND THE MOUSE QUEEN
Story based on E.T.A. HOFFMAN'S The Nutcracker and the Mouse King
Created and Choreographed/Directed by: Karyn Andrasko and Serena Webb
Music by: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Story Adaptation: Karyn Andrasko and Serena Webb
Lighting Designer: Glenn Linder
Stage Manager: Jonah Smith
Backstage Crew: Janson Smith and Trajan Tucker
Videographer: Keston Moore
Costume Designer: Erin White
Rehearsal Assistant: Kirsten Tucker
Sets provided by: Pioneer Theatre, Scera Theater, and Kristin Callor
Thank you to all of our parent chaperones and volunteers!
*Photography and Videography of tonight's performance is strictly prohibited
**Strobe lighting effects will be used briefly during this performance. Patrons that may suffer from epilepsy & other visual light stimulation please be advised.
Created and Choreographed/Directed by: Karyn Andrasko and Serena Webb
Music by: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Story Adaptation: Karyn Andrasko and Serena Webb
Lighting Designer: Glenn Linder
Stage Manager: Jonah Smith
Backstage Crew: Janson Smith and Trajan Tucker
Videographer: Keston Moore
Costume Designer: Erin White
Rehearsal Assistant: Kirsten Tucker
Sets provided by: Pioneer Theatre, Scera Theater, and Kristin Callor
Thank you to all of our parent chaperones and volunteers!
*Photography and Videography of tonight's performance is strictly prohibited
**Strobe lighting effects will be used briefly during this performance. Patrons that may suffer from epilepsy & other visual light stimulation please be advised.
*Photography by Karyn Andrasko
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PROGRAM
Synopsis
Prologue
Long ago there was a beautiful princess named Pirlipat. She was adored by all who surrounded her except for one: the Mighty Queen of the Mice. Not long after Pirlipat was born, her parents had angered the Mouse Queen who vowed to exact her revenge by putting a curse on their child when she came of age. When the day arrived, the Mouse Queen snuck into the palace to find the Princess surrounded by all of her admirers. Her anger rekindled, and she chased Pirlipat around until she cast a spell which turned her head into that of a Nutcracker! Her admirers turned their backs on her because they were so disgusted by her face. Pirlipat begged her parents for help so they turned to Drosselmeyer, the greatest magician in the land. After seeing her face, he knew the only way to break the spell was to find someone to love her as she was.
Drosselmeyer considered his nephew who, possessing a heart of gold, could possibly break the spell. He introduced his nephew to Pirlipat, and the young man took pity on the hideous princess, offering his love in the form of a rose. Delighted, she accepted and was transformed back into the beautiful princess she was born to be. The Mouse Queen was lurking in the corner, watching. Just then Drosselmeyer's nephew accidentally stepped on the Mouse Queen's tail. In a rage, she cast the Nutcracker spell onto the young man instead. Princess Pirlipat's heart was not as golden as the nephew's. She rejected his love and threw the rose at his wooden face.
Drosselmeyer was hurt to see his nephew so unfairly rejected, and cast a spell of his own, turning the young man into a Nutcracker doll. Drosselmeyer did this out of kindness to prolong his nephew's life until he could find someone with a heart just as pure as his. He awaited someone who could love him as he was, and break the spell. Years passed, and the story of the Nutcracker became a cherished tradition, told and retold at holiday parties and celebrations. No one truly believed it, however, except for the man who kept the fairy tale alive, hoping to one day find the one who could break the spell and set his nephew free…
Act 1
Scene 1: Drosselmeyer's Estate
In the year 1816, seventeen year old Marie and her eighteen year old brother Fritz, lazily await the arrival of guests at their Godfather Drosselmeyer's annual Christmas Eve Party. Having been to so many of these parties over the years, Marie and Fritz have grown tired of the haughty guests. Their Godfather Drosselmeyer and sister Louise are anxiously preparing the festivities.
After the guests finally make their way to the party, Drosselmeyer instructs Fritz to watch over a peculiar gift, a Nutcracker doll. Unimpressed, he tosses it across the room. Marie, disapproving of his actions, scolds him for being so rude, and rushes to its aid. She searches for the doll but cannot find the Nutcracker anywhere. Distressed out of fear of disappointing her Godfather, she searches the room until she abruptly runs into a man who looks strangely similar to the toy, but whom only she can see.
Intermission
Act 2
Scene 1: The Forest
As the Nutcracker enters the forest, he is trapped by the Mouse Queen's children. He is taken to the Mouse Queen herself. She puts him under a magic spell, changing him into her soldier. Soon after, Marie, who has followed him, is taken by the mice. Drosselmeyer is onto their tracks, and uses magic to find his way to where she is. He spots the Nutcracker, whom he recognizes, but sees is under the Mouse Queen's spell.
Scene 2: Drosselmeyer's Estate
Marie wakes up on the couch in the ballroom. She is alone, left only with a single rose which the Nutcracker has given her. She makes a vow to love the Nutcracker forever. Soon after her proclamation, Drosselmeyer enters the room with a man whom he introduces as her nephew.
Prologue
Long ago there was a beautiful princess named Pirlipat. She was adored by all who surrounded her except for one: the Mighty Queen of the Mice. Not long after Pirlipat was born, her parents had angered the Mouse Queen who vowed to exact her revenge by putting a curse on their child when she came of age. When the day arrived, the Mouse Queen snuck into the palace to find the Princess surrounded by all of her admirers. Her anger rekindled, and she chased Pirlipat around until she cast a spell which turned her head into that of a Nutcracker! Her admirers turned their backs on her because they were so disgusted by her face. Pirlipat begged her parents for help so they turned to Drosselmeyer, the greatest magician in the land. After seeing her face, he knew the only way to break the spell was to find someone to love her as she was.
Drosselmeyer considered his nephew who, possessing a heart of gold, could possibly break the spell. He introduced his nephew to Pirlipat, and the young man took pity on the hideous princess, offering his love in the form of a rose. Delighted, she accepted and was transformed back into the beautiful princess she was born to be. The Mouse Queen was lurking in the corner, watching. Just then Drosselmeyer's nephew accidentally stepped on the Mouse Queen's tail. In a rage, she cast the Nutcracker spell onto the young man instead. Princess Pirlipat's heart was not as golden as the nephew's. She rejected his love and threw the rose at his wooden face.
Drosselmeyer was hurt to see his nephew so unfairly rejected, and cast a spell of his own, turning the young man into a Nutcracker doll. Drosselmeyer did this out of kindness to prolong his nephew's life until he could find someone with a heart just as pure as his. He awaited someone who could love him as he was, and break the spell. Years passed, and the story of the Nutcracker became a cherished tradition, told and retold at holiday parties and celebrations. No one truly believed it, however, except for the man who kept the fairy tale alive, hoping to one day find the one who could break the spell and set his nephew free…
Act 1
Scene 1: Drosselmeyer's Estate
In the year 1816, seventeen year old Marie and her eighteen year old brother Fritz, lazily await the arrival of guests at their Godfather Drosselmeyer's annual Christmas Eve Party. Having been to so many of these parties over the years, Marie and Fritz have grown tired of the haughty guests. Their Godfather Drosselmeyer and sister Louise are anxiously preparing the festivities.
After the guests finally make their way to the party, Drosselmeyer instructs Fritz to watch over a peculiar gift, a Nutcracker doll. Unimpressed, he tosses it across the room. Marie, disapproving of his actions, scolds him for being so rude, and rushes to its aid. She searches for the doll but cannot find the Nutcracker anywhere. Distressed out of fear of disappointing her Godfather, she searches the room until she abruptly runs into a man who looks strangely similar to the toy, but whom only she can see.
Intermission
Act 2
Scene 1: The Forest
As the Nutcracker enters the forest, he is trapped by the Mouse Queen's children. He is taken to the Mouse Queen herself. She puts him under a magic spell, changing him into her soldier. Soon after, Marie, who has followed him, is taken by the mice. Drosselmeyer is onto their tracks, and uses magic to find his way to where she is. He spots the Nutcracker, whom he recognizes, but sees is under the Mouse Queen's spell.
Scene 2: Drosselmeyer's Estate
Marie wakes up on the couch in the ballroom. She is alone, left only with a single rose which the Nutcracker has given her. She makes a vow to love the Nutcracker forever. Soon after her proclamation, Drosselmeyer enters the room with a man whom he introduces as her nephew.
Paranormal Percussion, the ONLY annual Halloween-themed percussion show, is a rhythmic theatrical production of Halloween-themed songs played by Warehouse 5 Drum Theatre, a demented drum group, using only percussion instruments.
NUTCRACKER APPAREL FOR SALE
Apparel comes in t-shirts, tanks, and sweatshirts in all sizes. Buy yours today!
CAST LIST
Marie Stahlbaum..........Erin White
The Nutcracker..........Jake Fields
Godfather Drosselmeyer..........Rick George
The Mouse Queen..........Kirsten Tucker
Fritz Stahlbaum.........Evey Lindsey
Louise Stahlbaum..........Kaeli Dance
Pearl Pat..........Sophia Rolfs
Mrs. Hughes..........Breanne Burby
Carson.........Brian Tucker
Rose Queen..........Claire-Bagley Hayes
Party Guests/Flower Demi-Soloists.........Elizabeth Duggar and Callie Eppich
Party Guests/Flower Corps..........Mikayla Brush and Raina Prescott
Party Children...........Cali Arias, Aspen Bourne, Olivia Contratto, Paisley Deherrera, Phoenix Neff, and Mariana Ramirez
Mice..........Kaitlyn Aburto, Bailee Mansanarez, Azalea Ramirez, Tabitha Rilk, Clarity Scott, Hosanna Scott, and Sofya Zavala
Maids..........Emalina Arias, Jane Christensen, Sofia Dumas
The Nutcracker..........Jake Fields
Godfather Drosselmeyer..........Rick George
The Mouse Queen..........Kirsten Tucker
Fritz Stahlbaum.........Evey Lindsey
Louise Stahlbaum..........Kaeli Dance
Pearl Pat..........Sophia Rolfs
Mrs. Hughes..........Breanne Burby
Carson.........Brian Tucker
Rose Queen..........Claire-Bagley Hayes
Party Guests/Flower Demi-Soloists.........Elizabeth Duggar and Callie Eppich
Party Guests/Flower Corps..........Mikayla Brush and Raina Prescott
Party Children...........Cali Arias, Aspen Bourne, Olivia Contratto, Paisley Deherrera, Phoenix Neff, and Mariana Ramirez
Mice..........Kaitlyn Aburto, Bailee Mansanarez, Azalea Ramirez, Tabitha Rilk, Clarity Scott, Hosanna Scott, and Sofya Zavala
Maids..........Emalina Arias, Jane Christensen, Sofia Dumas
*Photography by Karyn Andrasko
CHOREOGRAPHERS
KARYN ANDRASKO
Karyn Andrasko received her BA in Dance Performance from SUU and her MA in Dance Anthropology from Roehampton University in London. She has trained in many different dance genres but claims modern dance as her true love. She loves telling stories through movement by choreographing for modern dance companies and community musical productions. Partnering with Serena to create "The Nutcracker and the Mouse Queen" was a dream come true. 'All my love to Jackson, Sonya, and Jonas!'
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SERENA WEBB
Serena Webb received her BFA Degree in Modern Dance from Utah Valley University, specializing in Ballet, Modern, Contemporary, and Jazz. During her time at Utah Valley University she performed with the pre-professional company, Contemporary Dance Ensemble. Serena has worked with a variety of other professionals in the dance community, such as Ballet West, Ririe-Woodbury, Repertory Dance Theater, Utah Metropolitan Ballet, and Alivin Ailey. Serena co-founded Body Logic Dance Company in 2009, where she took on the role of Artistic Director, dancer, choreographer, and board member. She also created Body Logic Dance Academy with Melanie Ewell in 2014, and they successfully ran it together for 8 years.
Serena made the exciting decision to create her own company and school in 2023, and continues to produce new works with her flare of dance theatrics. Her overall mission is to create art that any audience can connect with, by telling stories in a new and exciting way. Serena seeks dancers with commitment and passion for dance, professionalism, and the ability to get out of their comfort zones. |
LIGHTING DESIGNER
GLENN LINDER
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Glenn has spent many years lighting theatre, dance, opera, live music, and corporate events around the country. He has no favorite shows, as every show can be fun and challenging. He also likes sunsets, long walks on the beach, and romantic dinners…usually by himself.
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*Photography by Karyn Andrasko
Our Junior and Senior level dancers will have opportunities to perform with Serena Webb Dance Theater's professional company throughout the season, as well as have the option to perform at "The Shakespeare Festival" in Cedar City, attend YAGP for chances to receive scholarships, perform their own choreography, and have lead roles in our end of year productions. Try a week for FREE and see if our program is right for your dancer.
CAST
ERIN WHITE/MARIE STAHLBAUM
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Melanie began dancing at a very young age and knew quickly it was a passion she is not willing to live without. She began dancing with Body Logic Dance in 2012. She became Co-Director of Ewell-Webb Dance Company (formerly Body Logic Dance Company) in 2014, the same year she and Serena started Ewell-Webb Dance School (formerly Body Logic Dance Academy). Melanie has been a guest choreographer for various high schools in Utah. She has performed for a few pick-up companies, taught master classes, is a recurring judge for Utah Dance Sterling Scholar, and is Co-Creator of Ewell-Webb Choreography Festival. Dance has always been an integral part of her life. She would like mention a few humans who have played a significant role in her path as a dance artist, Andrew and Barrett, Renee Crouch, Nichol Ortega, Angie Banchero-Kelleher and Mason. Thank you to my mom who always let me put dancing first and to my late baby brother who loved me unconditionally and taught me life is too short not to dream big and live the life you imagine.
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JAKE FIELDS/THE NUTCRACKER
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Henry is from Price, Utah. He performed in his first Nutcracker in 2000, and has been performing in "The Nutcracker" for a variety of different companies throughout Utah, Washington, and Colorado. He is excited to return to the stage after a long break to perform as the Nutcracker. |
RICK GEORGE/GODFATHER DROSSELMEYER
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Whitney is an outgoing woman from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. After living abroad in Beijing for four years, she ended up in Salt Lake City to pursue her BS in Early Childhood Education. She still enjoys dance and other forms of The Arts, which prompted her role in this year's performance. Whitney is also an advocate for diversity and hopes to encourage it in all forms, including the dance community.
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KIRSTEN TUCKER/MOUSE QUEEN
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Jenna Gillis is a recent graduate from Brigham Young University. She received her Bachelor’s in dance, and performed all four years on the university’s top performing ballet team, BYU Theatre Ballet. She grew up in Littleton, Colorado, and found her passion for dance there. Her favorite roles over the years have included the title role in Cinderella, Clara, and Snow Queen in the Nutcracker, a Willi in Giselle, the Diamond Fairy in Sleeping Beauty, a role in Paul Taylor’s Airs, Arpino’s Reflections, and Balanchine’s Serenade. Jenna is excited to debut as a professional with her role as Mouse Queen in Ewell-Webb’s production of The Nutcracker and the Mouse Queen.
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EVEY LINDSEY/FRITZ STAHLBAUM
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Evey has been training in Jazz, Contemporary, Ballet, and Hip-hop for 18 years. They danced at Academy of Ballet for 11 years, and was a member of the Provo High Dance Company. During this time they were able to perform solos, choreograph a duet for the Utah Shakespeare Festival, and join the ballet corps in Phantom of the Opera.
Evey is a current staff member for Webb Dance Academy, and this will be her first time performing with Serena Webb Dance Theater. Some of their other hobbies include singing, camping, cooking, and snuggling their cat. |
KAELI DANCE/LOUISE STAHLBAUM
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Kaeli Dance (yes that is her last name) recently graduated with a degree in Dance from BYU. She has performed across the country from Illinois to The Playmill Theatre in West Yellowstone where her favorite role was as a Newsie. She teaches at Charisma and choreographs for Utah COPA. When she isn’t dancing you can find her reading fantasy books or making TikToks. She knows the holidays can be a stressful time and hopes that while you’re at our show, you can relax and get lost in another world.
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SOPHIA ROLFS/PEARL PAT
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Sophia Rolfs has been dancing since she was five years old, competing since she was eight, and has been teaching dance for three years. She is a junior at the University of Utah pursuing a Bachelor's of Science in Political Science, and plans on going to law school when she graduates next year. She has been dancing with Serena Webb Dance Theater for two years and is a current instructor for the Academy. She loves performing and sharing her passion for dance with kids.
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BREANNE BURBY/MRS. HUGHS
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Breanne Burby started her Dance career in high school with a modern-contemporary dance class, after taking this class she continued dance through high school and into college, where she graduated from Dixie State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Dance. During her time at Dixie, she had the opportunities to explore different genres of dance such as ballet, jazz, tap, ballroom, ariel, and modern. Breanne has also had the opportunity to perform in multiple shows with the Dixie State Dance Department, which include student choreographed and faculty choreographed performances, along with collaborating with Repertory Dance Theatre. Breanne believes that dance will benefit dancers as long as they are willing to put their time and effort into growing as a dancer, as that is what she had done for herself. As of recently Breanne continues to teach and perform with Serena Webb Dance Theatre.
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BRIAN TUCKER/CARSON
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Juliana Beers began dancing at age seven at Spotlight Revue Dance Studio. She first trained in ballet, jazz, and tap, then later added contemporary, lyrical, ballroom, and hip hop as she joined her high school dance company and varsity ballroom team. She attended BYU, earning her Bachelor of Arts in Dance magna cum laude. Since graduation, Juliana has danced with Cache Valley Civic Ballet and Illume Dance Company, performing in classical ballet and contemporary productions. She was also the assistant director for the Antiques Dance Company, where she choreographed, taught, performed, and competed award-winning dances in contemporary, jazz, hip hop, and lyrical. She has also shared her passion for dance by teaching at studios throughout Utah. She is deeply grateful for the support of her husband and two daughters, as well as many other family members and friends as she pursues and expands her love of dance.
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CLAIRE BAGLEY HAYES/ROSE QUEEN
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Claire V. Bagley Hayes is very excited to perform in the Nutcracker this season! Hayes is thrilled to continue pursuing her passion for dance and the arts while performing with Serena Webb Dance Theater. Hayes holds both a MFA in Modern Dance (University of Utah), as well as a BFA in Modern Dance (Utah Valley University). Performing with and touring to other countries with the UofU's Performing Dance Company, and previously with UVU's Contemporary Dance Ensemble, gave Hayes many outstanding opportunities to work with many notable choreographers, such as Elena Demyanenko, Eric Handman, Angela Banchero-Kelleher, Satu Hammasti, and Amy Margraff-Jacobson. While dance performance is a passion, Hayes has dipped her toes into, (and even swam around inside) many other art forms to inform her creativity. Hayes has worn many different hats: Dancer, Choreographer, Film Editor, Photographer, Screendance Filmmaker, and Teacher. Her experience within the aforementioned artistic realms has brought a unique edge to her choreography and other artistic projects.
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ELIZABETH DUGGAR/PARTY GUEST & FLOWER DEMI-SOLOIST
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Elizabeth Jones graduated from SUU with her BS in Dance Performance. She loves dancing on the stage, whether it be as a dancing Police Officer in "Pirates of Penzance" or a strange human from the land of "Imago". Dance is more than just a form of expression for her - it is a means of connecting more deeply with humans and the human experience as she explores what that means through the mode of movement. She has 2 adorable young boys and is excited to show them you can always find ways to do the things you love, even when you’re old.
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CALLIE EPPICH/PARTY GUEST AND FLOWER DEMI-SOLOIST
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Callie began her formal dance training at age 13 at Ballet Repertory Theatre (BRT) of New Mexico where she trained for 2 years before joining the company as a trainee. While at BRT she performed in various ballets such as The Nutcracker, Alice in Wonderland, Coppelia, and more. She attended high school at The Public Academy for Performing Arts where she studied ballet and contemporary. As a sophomore she joined the school’s pre-professional company, Contemporary Dance Ensemble, and performed with them across the United States for the remainder of her high school career. Callie took a break from dancing full time to attend the University of Utah where she earned her bachelors of science in biomedical engineering. She is incredibly excited to be back on stage to share and continue her passion for dance.
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MIKAYLA BRUSH/PARTY GUEST & FLOWER CORPS
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Mikayla has been dancing since she was 3 years old. She trained in ballet, jazz, contemporary, and modern, and has recently started learning hip hop. She also taught dance for 9 years. This is her first performance with Serena Webb Dance Theater and has loved being a part of it. In her spare time, she loves traveling with her family and is expecting her second baby in April.
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RAINA PRESCOTT/PARTY GUEST & FLOWER CORPS
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Raina began her formal dance when she was 12. She danced with Webb Dance Academy until she graduated in 2022. After performing her last solo as Esmeralda, Raina took a year off. This past year she has experimented with creating a candle business, and is preparing to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing. However, her passion for the art of dance reignited when she recently auditioned for "The Nutcracker and The Mouse Queen," allowing herself to return to the stage.
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PARTY CHILDREN
ASPEN BOURNE
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OLIVIA CONTRATTO
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PAISLEY DEHERRERA
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MARIANA RAMIREZ
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MICE CHILDREN
BAILEE MANSANAREZ
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AZALEA RAMIREZ
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TABITHA RILK
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SOFYA ZAVALA
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MAIDS
EMMA BIGELOW
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LECLAIRE BEARD
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MARI GUNDERSEN
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SOFIA DUMAS
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*Photography by Karyn Andrasko
Serena Webb Dance Theater is a registered non-profit organization.
We appreciate any donations that are made to support our future endeavors in bringing the arts to our community. Your donations help us to fund our shows with things such as; props and scenery, costumes, theater rental, staff salary, and lighting design. Donations will also help support our dancers, and help bring jobs to dance artists in the Midvale area. We appreciate your donations Thank You!
We appreciate any donations that are made to support our future endeavors in bringing the arts to our community. Your donations help us to fund our shows with things such as; props and scenery, costumes, theater rental, staff salary, and lighting design. Donations will also help support our dancers, and help bring jobs to dance artists in the Midvale area. We appreciate your donations Thank You!