Nutcracker Show at Vintage Faire Mall.

Central West Ballet dancers returned to Vintage Faire Mall in November to join the Holiday Festivities, bringing the magic of dance to numerous children.

Organized and headed by Principal Dancer Nicole Firpo, the Company performed some excerpts of its up coming Nutcracker, giving the kids a special treat. The dancers took the time to chat with the children and take pictures.

Principal Dancer Nicole Firpo says the event is another way for Central West to give back to the community. Firpo had organized a Swan Scavenger Hunt earlier in the Season during CWB's Swan Lake performances. "We are an integral part of the community, we love to share conversations with kids and families", Firpo says. The turn out for these events has been a huge success. Firpo added that they look forward to more events of that nature.

Central West Ballet has been a strong presence in the community this year with many events that inspired as well as entertain. Ballet in the Park, CWB at McHenry Bowl and Vintage Faire Mall Swan Lake and Nutcracker events have brought the community and Central West closer together.

"We are stronger as a community by adding these events to our calendar", says Artistic Director René Daveluy, "this makes Modesto's cultural life vibrant and colorful."

Swan Scavenger Hunt at Vintage Faire Mall.

Central West Ballet's milestone Swan Lake production was propelled into the community with a wonderful event at Vintage Faire Mall. Organized by Principal Dancer Nicole Firpo, a Swan Scavenger Hunt delighted children as they looked around the Mall for ballerinas hiding out in Swan costumes. The goal was to find all the Swans hidden within the Mall's various stores, culminating with finding the Swan Queen, portrayed by Principal Sarah Weaver. The winner got two tickets to a CWB Swan Lake performance.

Nicole Firpo's project at Vintage Faire was a great activity and showed Central West's continued involvement in the community. Earlier in September, Central West Ballet offered a free dance concert at Graceada Park. The Swan Scavenger Hunt was another original way for the community to get to know the dancers of the Company through an event that was fun and original.

"The event at the mall was a huge success", says Firpo, "all of the stores were very accommodating to the dancers and we received a lot of attention. We got about 500 flyers distributed overall which I think was fantastic. We had Maggie White from the Buzz section of the Bee covering the event. Thursday. Sandra Salazar was the winner of the two free tickets. She was also the first person to find Sarah Weaver so she also received the autographed poster as well. She was extremely excited!"

Firpo says the dancers lined up to ride up and down the escalators for some pictures after the event. It received a huge draw from the surrounding mall customers.

Artistic Director René Daveluy enthusiastically commends Firpo's initiative for Central West Ballet. "Nicole is one of our fervent supporter within the troupe", he explains, "she is both effective on and off the stage as a great ballerina and spokesperson for the Company".

Cinderella for All

Central West Ballet brought Cinderella to students in May to share a special day presentation with a dance performance and a question and answer period. Organized by Ryan Gallo for the Fremont Elementary School, the project was initiated to sensitize young students to the arts and keep such programs alive in education.

Artistic Director René Daveluy, introduced Principal Dancers Nicole Firpo and Brandon Phelps to a young enthusiastic crowd. The children were treated to a performance of the second act Pas de Deux from Cinderella, which Central West had just performed at the Gallo Center for the Arts.

"We were delighted to be part of that lecture demo", says Ballet Mistress Leslie Ann Larson, "the students were very appreciative and it gave them an opportunity to see a classical art form up close and personal".

Daveluy says Central West is always ready to outreach to students and in the community. "we have done it many times in the past and this event was a great way to share our resources for education".

Children Backstage Pass for Cinderella

Dancers take children on a backstage tour

Central West Ballet dancers greeted a dozen children during a Cinderella Matinée at the Gallo Center for the Arts. An initiative spurred by Mrs. Ann Endsley and Greens Market, the group of mesmerized kids visited their favorite characters and got a behind the scenes look at the sets and costumes.

The children got a view of the dressing rooms and a tour of the stage in between acts. Dancers got to show them around and explain how things work in a Central West Ballet production.

Artistic Drector René Daveluy says the Company dancers are always happy to share their time with the community. "Over the years, we have participated in numerous community events and provided our resources to various causes". Daveluy goes on to say that Central West has been an integral part of collaborating within the community. "We have taken the time to dance for many events including participating with other resident companies such as the Modesto Symphony Orchestra and Townsend Opera Players". Daveluy says the coming 11-12 Season will be filled with new community events to further Central West Ballet's mandate on the cultural scene.