2025 Dancer Spotlight

Paige, 16- Sugar Plum Fairy
10th grade, Laurel Springs
This is my 6th Nutcracker now and it is truly my favorite part of the year. I’m the most excited about the weekend before Thanksgiving. That is when we do the first full run through and personally it’s the first feeling of the whole show coming together. We are all reviewing and talking in the familiar studios waiting for our cues and calls and it’s always the feeling of “oh we are doing this” and it is the best.
Every year of Nutcracker has a bunch of favorite memories but one that always makes me smile is when I got stuck in the transformation box the year I was Clara. I always laugh at the feeling of panic I felt as I felt the box shift towards the wall, the sudden irrational thought of what if I am stuck in here? The next year when I returned to the box, the first thing I said was “please don’t lock me in here again” !
I have discovered a lot about myself through MPBT Nutcracker: I am a dancer because I love to perform, I live for long rehearsals, I specifically love ballets. This once-a-year Nutcracker has given everything me . The amazing volunteers, board, staff and dancers I am always so happy to work with again and again. MPBT Nutcracker means so much because it has given me an opportunity that some people don’t get. I’m so excited to be a part of it again!

Brooke, 14 - Clara
9th Grade, Yosemite Valley Charter School
This year will be my seventh Nutcracker with MPBT, and it's something I look forward to every season. I'm especially excited this year because I get to dance the role of Clara! I can't wait to grow both in my technique and acting. I'm also looking forward to dancing alongside so many amazing performers and friends.
One of my favorite parts of Nutcracker are the outreach opportunities to perform for the students- whether it's at the theater or when we travel to their schools. Seeing their faces light up when they see dancers in big tutus, like something out of a storybook, is such a special experience.
The MPBT Nutcracker has been a tradition in my life for the past eight years. Whether I was performing or sitting in the audience, it has always felt magical to me. Each year brings new opportunities and friendships with people of all ages. I especially love meeting the little ones through the buddy program. It's so sweet to see their faces light up when they meet an older dancer they look up to, knowing they have someone who's there just for them.
Being a part of this production means so much to me, and I'll always be grateful to be a part of the MPBT Nutcracker magic.

Emory, 15- Mouse Queen
10th grade, Stevenson School
This will be my 4th year in the Nutcracker, and I am especially looking forward to being in fight scene with all of my friends, as well as having my first partnering role!
My favorite Nutcracker memories are all of the fun dress rehearsals because everybody is so excited and positive. I also loved last year because I was all of the same roles with one of my best friends, and it was so fun to get excited back stage together
Nutcracker means so much to me because I get to do the thing I love surrounded by the best group of people, while also being challenged in new ways and making new memories. The MPBT community is also so strong because every age group gets to connect and dance together.

Dana, 17- Rose Queen
11th Grade, Carmel High School
This will be my eighth year in MPBT’s Nutcracker and I am so excited. I am so honored to get to be the role I’ve always looked up to the most growing up and I am even more excited to get to do it alongside my friends.
My favorite Nutcracker memory from over the years is when Tia played my favorite hype song, Fireball, for our warmup before a show. It was very “fire”.
MPBT’s Nutcracker means so much to me. It has really helped shape me not just as a dancer, but as a person too. Getting to rehearse and perform with my friends, in these amazing costumes, and be part of such a magical production is something I’ll always be grateful for.

Sabrina, 13- Dew Drop
7th Grade, Ocean Grove Charter School
I’m absolutely thrilled to take the stage as Dew Drop in this year’s Nutcracker with MPBT! The Nutcracker is pure magic—a dazzling holiday tradition that fills my heart with joy every season. Ever since I was a tiny 5-year-old, completely enchanted by my first Nutcracker performance, I’ve been hooked on ballet. That spark led me to start lessons and join MPBT’s production the very next year, and I’ve been counting down to each performance ever since. Now, stepping into the lead role of Dew Drop feels like a dream come true—a chance to shine in a role that’s all about grace, sparkle, and storytelling.
Dance is my happy place, where I can weave stories and emotions through every leap and spin. The Nutcracker brings that to life with its whimsical world of dancing snowflakes, sugarplums, and pure wonder. As Dew Drop, I’m so excited to bring this iconic role to life en pointe, surrounded by the shimmering Waltz of the Flowers. The music, the costumes, the energy of performing with my friends—it’s all unforgettable. I also love the Snow Scene, with its icy magic, and can’t wait to share the stage with everyone again this year.
Being part of The Nutcracker teaches me so much more than dance. Rehearsals build discipline and teamwork, helping me grow stronger and more confident. Every step challenges me to push my limits, from perfecting tricky turns to expressing the story through movement. To younger dancers, I’d say: soak up every moment! Watch, learn, and practice with your heart wide open—you’ll be amazed at how much you grow. The journey from rehearsals to the spotlight is a gift, and sharing it with the MPBT community makes it even more special. Here’s to making this Nutcracker season the most magical yet!

Madeline, 14- Fritz
9th Grade, Yosemite Charter School
This year, I’m excited to play the lead role of Fritz in The Nutcracker! Fritz is such a fun role, and I’m especially happy because I get to be stage siblings with my best friend.
This is my fifth year doing The Nutcracker, and it’s been a big part of my life. MPBT means so much to me—it’s where I’ve grown as a dancer and made amazing memories. One of my favorite parts has always been hanging out backstage with friends and dancing for my family and the people I love.
Getting to play Fritz this year feels really special, and I can’t wait to perform and make more great memories!
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Adelyn (Addi), 14- Lead Ballerina Doll
9th Grade, Yosemite Valley Charter School
This Nutcracker, I am a lead ballerina doll, mouse, snowflake, and Chinese dragon. I am most excited about the 2025 Nutcracker because it will be my first time participating en pointe; I am also excited because I loveeeeee the ballerina doll tutu! I first started the Nutcracker when I was in third grade, and I have done it ever since. I have been in almost every scene and have had acro and ballet roles.
My best Nutcracker memory is probably last year when all the chefs came over to my house and we decorated our pointe shoes, ate snacks, and watched Nutcracker!
The MPBT Nutcracker is an amazing production that creates community between young and old dancers and creates countless memories! Participating in the Nutcracker has helped me develop some of my best friends and is one of my favorite parts of the holiday season!

Leah, 14- Ballerina Doll
9th grade, Monterey High School
Nutcracker season is always something I look forward to. There are so many great memories and experiences that I will always remember. This will be my fourth time participating in The Nutcracker, and I am really looking forward to my time on stage and being able to show my improvement since last year. I am also so excited for my roles, especially as a ballerina doll, and I always look forward to performing on pointe!
I remember looking up to all the older dancers during my first few years of Nutcracker, and it is crazy to me how far I’ve come. Along this journey, there have been so many moments I have enjoyed. Just being able to do something I love with some of my best friends makes the experience so much more memorable. There are so many moments I have shared with friends throughout the Nutcracker seasons. One particular memory I have is going through the full run throughs of the show at the studio, with everyone practicing their dances, and really getting ready for opening night!
To me, MPBT Nutcracker is not just a performance, but an entire experience where you get to make memories while watching yourself grow along the way. This production has made a big impact on the dance aspect of my life. I have picked up on so many memories and lessons that I will carry around forever.

Matthew, 12- Lead Soldier Doll
Yosemite Valley Charter School
I took my first dance class when I was 8. I started dancing as a way to get exercise while my sisters were dancing, but ended up finding my passion. I realized dance was more than just exercise. It’s the experiences you have along the way, learning with fellow dancers, knowledge you gain in class, and expressing your emotions with your body.
I started Nutcracker in 2024. Each year of Nutcracker you get a different role and it’s exciting to see what you get. I didn’t expect to get a lead role, but I am so excited! I am also excited to be in the crossover scene this year because there are a lot of roles playing at once.
Some of my favorite memories from last year were being able to see the fight scene from the wings and dancing in the Candy Cane scene with Julius. I also really liked being in the snow scene because I liked the technique of that dance. But overall, I just love dancing on stage and being a part of the show. Everyone in MPBT is really dedicated to making this show the best that it can be. We don’t just dance by ourselves, we dance as a team- helping and supporting others. I really love that camaraderie!

Amber, 18- Angel Queen
12th Grade, Monterey High School
This year my role is Angel Queen, and I am so excited! I have always thought the angel scene was quite pretty, but it’s even more special now that I’m in it. This will be my sixth Nutcracker, I am looking forward to making the most of the season. I am sad that this will be my last year performing in the Nutcracker, but I’m looking forward to the memories I will.
Across all the years I’ve participated, some of my favorite memories took place across tech week. When we’re all in the theater for a week of rehearsals, everything starts to come to life. With all the props, costumes, and hairpieces, the excitement of the shows and weekend ahead starts to roll in. That is a feeling you can’t get anywhere else! MPBT is so special to me, and I wouldn’t be the same person without it. It has taught me how to grow into a better human, as well as skills that I will carry into the rest of my life.

Crystal, 17- Seraphim
12th Grade, Monterey High School
This is my 5th Nutcracker and I am always so excited to spend more time dancing with my friends, but for this year specifically I am most excited to be Clara's friend. This character is so fun and brings joy and excitement to the stage. I love the party scene and I think this role is going to be a lot of fun with my friends.
Nutcracker always results in new friendships, improved dancing, and so much fun. My best Nutcracker memory is opening night last year. Everyone was so excited for our first show, I loved being a lead ballerina doll with Abby, and the performance was great.
MPBT Nutcracker is something to look forward to every year. From auditions, to costume fittings, to our first rehearsal at the Sunset Center, the connections between friends gets so much stronger. It gives us an opportunity to not only get better but also learn to have fun with our dancing. I’m sad for this to be my last Nutcracker year with MPBT, but I’m so grateful for getting the opportunity to be part of it this year.

Emma, 12- Lead Angel
7th Grade, Carmel Middle School
I have been dancing for almost ten years. Luckily 5 of those years I have participated in the MPBT Nutcracker. Other than ballet, I love doing other styles like lyrical and contemporary. For the past few years I have trained at The Dance Center. I will forever be grateful, the teachers there have helped me improve so much.
Last year I was a snowfall and reed pipe corp. This year I have been given the opportunity to be the Lead Angel. When I think of the Nutcracker this year there are many new changes for me because it's my first year being a lead. These are only some of the main reasons I am excited for this year's Nutcracker. I love dance because it keeps me motivated to work hard, and to grow. Also being a competitive dancer, it keeps me pushing myself, allowing me to improve. I can’t wait to see where this year’s Nutcracker will take us.

Stella, 17- Lead Spanish
12th grade, Yosemite Valley Charter
I’m most excited to make new friendships and memories with the cast. Spending time with them backstage, and during rehearsal, it is so special to see everyone’s growth throughout this experience. I’m also excited to be a part of the Spanish scene, it has always been one of my favorites. This will be my fourth year participating in Nutcracker, and since it is my senior year, it will be my final Nutcracker!
My favorite Nutcracker memory is each year's opening night. After a long week of rehearsal at Sunset Center, and the anticipation leading up to opening night, seeing the magic of Nutcracker come to life is a feeling like no other. Everyone is so talented, and getting to see everyone’s hard work pay off on stage is such a special thing to witness.
MPBT Nutcracker means being a part of such a special community and being able to share what I love to do with others. The friendships created throughout the whole cast of MPBT Nutcracker are ones that will last a lifetime and I am very grateful that I get to dance with the people I love most

Zoey, 13- Lead Spanish
8th grade, Carmel Middle School
I am most excited to get to spend time doing what I love (ballet) during Nutcracker with my friends. I have been doing nutcracker for 6 years.
My best Nutcracker memory over the years is the feeling I get during tech week, so much excitement.
To me, MPBT Nutcracker means enjoying every weekend at Nutcracker rehearsals, eventually leading to the shows!

Iyla, 12- Chef Lead
7th Grade, Ocean Grove Homeschool
This will be my second year performing in MPBT’s Nutcracker, and my first year as a Lead. I’m most excited about dancing as a Chef, which is my lead role, and also being able to dance on pointe. I get really excited about being backstage with my friends, performing at the Sunset Center, and all the fun events like the buddy program. I also love how rehearsals start in September—it feels like the beginning of Christmas!
My favorite memory so far is being a Big Buddy. I loved spending time with the littles backstage and helping them feel special and part of the show.
The Nutcracker has become a new tradition for me, and it makes me feel like I’m part of something really special. It challenges me to grow as a dancer and helps me be more confident. It also means being part of a community and family of dancers who all share the same love for performing.

Emily W., 12- Chef Lead
7th Grade, Stevenson School
This is my fifth year participating in MPBT’s Nutcracker and I am very excited about my first year in a lead role, but really, I really look forward to everything, from rehearsals to run-throughs to costumes to the performances. Overall, the opportunity to be in the Nutcracker is incredible, and I look forward to every minute.
My favorite Nutcracker memory is my first year in Nutcracker, during the performances, when we were performing. It felt so good to be dancing at that moment, and that is partially why I come back every year. I also return because I love the feeling of community that Nutcracker brings me every year.
For me, Nutcracker means community, passion, and a big group doing something we love. Nutcracker gives me a feeling of togetherness that I don’t find anywhere else.

Emily G., 12- Chef Lead
6th Grade, Olson Elementary
I have been going to see the Nutcracker every year since I was 3. I have always loved the story of Clara and the magic of the ballet. It was always a special part of the holiday season for me and I love that I can be a part of the holiday season that others can enjoy.
To me, Nutcracker is a community. It’s not only all the people and families in the audience, but also the community that is built backstage. The buddy program and cast party are both great examples of ways that all dancers get to bond backstage, and the community that is built by the end.
I love absolutely everything about the Nutcracker. The late nights spent backstage with friends, the endless weekend rehearsals, and of course, the moment when all the hard work pays off on stage. It is something that I look forward to from the second the curtain closes after the last show. I have always loved to perform, from my first performance when I was 5, all the way to my first Nutcracker, getting to perform in front of over 2,000 people.
This is my third year participating in the Nutcracker. Over the course of the last three years, I have been a Child at the Party, Spanish corp, Snowfall, and Reed Pipe Corp, and I can’t wait to take on my first lead role this year as a Chef! I am very excited to have a role en pointe this year, and also look forward to being in my favorite scene, Waltz of the Flowers this year as a Garland.
Lastly, I would like to thank all of my dance teachers, family, and friends for helping me get to where I am today.

Indi, 10- Chef Lead
5th grade, Big Sur Charter
This will be my third year being in the Nutcracker. I participated in the Nutcracker for 2 years in Germany, but this will be my first performance dancing with Monterey Peninsula Ballet Theatre. Going on stage and performing is one of my favorite things to do. It is like art where you tell a story, but with dance. Also, I heard from previous participants that the costumes are beautiful and I am very excited to have the opportunity to wear them.
My best Nutcracker memory was being in the Bon Bon’s dance in Germany. I loved that it was cheerful and energetic, and I was happy to have been chosen to lead the Bon Bon group. Also, I loved doing a cartwheel into the splits in my choreography.
I lived in Korea last year, and unfortunately, the Nutcracker wasn’t really a tradition for them. I was sad to have missed a year of being in the Nutcracker during this time and am happy to be back on the stage for Nutcracker this year. I am excited to make new friends this year at rehearsals, get to know the friends I have made, and make wonderful memories.

Juliet, 13- Lead Chef
8th grade, Monterey Bay Charter School
I am a lead Chef and a Garland this year and I am excited for is being on pointe for the first time in the Nutcracker. I have been doing dance sense I was 3 years old and I joined The Monterey Peninsula Ballet Theater 3 years ago.
The Monterey Peninsula Ballet Theatre means a lot to me because over the years of being here I really enjoy dancing with the people who I have met and have grown to know them more and the same way for the teachers there.This my second year on pointe and I am really excited.
One of the most memorable memories I had in Nutcracker was my first year. I was new to my dance studio and MPBT and I did not really know anyone. I then met some new people and suddenly I didn't feel nervous or scared. Overall, I just would like to thank Miss Tia for making Nutcracker happen for all of us.

Anna, 17- Reed Pipe Lead
Senior, Carmel High School
I have performed in The Nutcracker since 2011, and I am excited to perform my dream roles for my final Nutcracker here. The Reed Pipe dance has always been my favorite part in the Kingdom of Sweets. I love everything about it from the costumes to the music. I am enthused to bring it to life onstage this year, and feel as though my dance journey in high school has come full circle, as I was a Reed Pipe Corp my freshman year. I am also excited to be a snowflake for the third year in a row, as snow is my favorite scene in the entire Nutcracker and is always challenging yet rewarding to perform.
My best Nutcracker memory is getting to perform at the outreach dress rehearsal every year. I love how enthusiastic the kids watching are, and I love that MPBT allows us to share the magic of ballet with them. Hearing them cheer during our snow scene always reminds me of the power of dance to inspire and amaze, and makes me love it all the more.
MBPT’s Nutcracker for me is about community. It is about working together with an amazing group of dancers and instructors to bring magic to the community’s holiday season. Seeing the Nutcracker every year is an important tradition for many, and being a part of that has brought me so much joy and fulfillment. The community of dancers, teachers, and volunteers who bring MPBT’s Nutcracker to life are also a huge part of the magic of the show. I have loved getting to know so many amazing people through the last four years I have spent with MBPT.

Melissa, 16 - Reed Pipe Lead
11th grade , Pacific Grove High School
This year, I'm very excited for my role as a lead reed pipe. With this role, I get to dance in the entrada/finale for the first time! It's such a magical moment in the ballet, helping to open and close the second act beautifully. It is also my first tutu role. This will be my 4th year participating in the Nutcracker.
My favorite Nutcracker memory was last year, waiting in my soldier doll box for the curtains to open. It was really thrilling as we were one of the first dancers the audience would see. I remember being sort of shocked every night when the curtains opened, seeing all the people that came to see us.
To me, the MPBT Nutcracker means community. The cast community that rehearses for hours to put on the Nutcracker. The whole MPBT team community is made up of hardworking parents, volunteers, and directors. The local community that comes to watch us perform every year. All these people make the MPBT Nutcracker what it is and a wonderful experience to participate in every year.

Mary, 17- Reed Pipe Lead
11th grade, Yosemite Valley Charter School
I love all the practices, and how our community comes together. The entire season leading up to the performance is very exciting. We all work very hard, challenging ourselves to make the show the best it can be. Once we’re at Sunset Center, it’s so fun to be backstage with everyone. The best part is interacting with the audience and making them happy.
My best memories have been performing for the young children in our local schools. It was fun to see the smiles on the kids faces.
The Nutcracker is a major part of my life. This is my 7th year in the production. Some of my favorite roles have been Harlequin and Candy Cane. Last year I had the honor of being Clara. Every year is incredible!

Abigail, 14- Reed Pipe Lead
9th Grade, Monterey High School
I have participated in MPBT’s Nutcracker since 2018. This will be my seventh year performing, and I am so excited to take the stage again! I am looking forward to many different events including all the cast bonding through secret Santa and getting ready backstage. I also can’t wait to perform with all my friends this year on stage.
The Nutcracker has always been an important tradition in my life and looking back on the many years I have done it, a great memory is the final show on Sunday when all the leads give their last secret Santa present. This always makes me so happy knowing how much everyone cares for each other.
Participating in the Nutcracker is a large time commitment, with many weeks of rehearsals leading up to all of the shows, but it is always worth all of the time and effort. Every year I look forward to seeing the final product and the thrill of performing.

Pele, 16 - Reed Pipe
Monterey Peninsula College/ Monterey Homeschool
I am honored to announce that my lead role this year is Reed Pipe. This is my second year participating in MPBT’s Nutcracker, my first experience was in 2017. I am most excited about wearing a fully adorned tutu for the first time and am even more thrilled that the outfit is pink!
My favorite memory I recall was playing one of two miniature mice in the battle scene and being so proud that we were the first to have this role. I consider ourselves to be a source of inspiration for those that have danced since in this role.
Being part of this performance is an opportunity to continue my growth as a ballerina, perfecting technique, but most importantly is another chance to dance something I adore doing daily.

Sienna, 14- Lead Chinese
9th Grade, Ocean Grove
This year will be my fourth Nutcracker and I am very excited to be a Lead Chinese - my first lead role en pointe! I was part of the Chinese Corps for my first Nutcracker so it’s wonderful that this year I get to be one of the leads as that is one of my favorite scenes.
My favorite memory from the Nutcracker over the years is just being backstage with everyone. You see all the hard work that goes into getting the performance just right and when you go on stage to perform you can bring that magic to the audience. Participating in the MPBT Nutcracker has helped grow my confidence as a dancer, make many new friends and is a magical way to start the holiday season!

Jolie, 13 - Lead Candy Cane
8th grade, San Benancio Middle School
I am so honored and excited to be performing the role of Lead Candy Cane in MPBT’s 2025 Nutcracker. This is a role I have dreamed of dancing for many years, and stepping into it this season feels incredibly special.
This year marks my 6th Nutcracker with MPBT, and each year has been such a valuable part of my journey as a dancer. Every performance has taught me something new, not only about technique and artistry, but also about teamwork, dedication, and the joy of sharing the stage with others who love dance as much as I do. Some of my favorite memories are made backstage—laughing, encouraging, and supporting one another before and after we dance. Those moments are just as meaningful to me as the ones on stage.
I feel very fortunate to have the love and support of my family and friends, who have been with me every step of the way. Their encouragement helps me give my best in each rehearsal and performance, and I know I could not do it without them.
To me, MPBT is so much more than just a place to dance. It is a community where I can grow as an artist, challenge myself with new opportunities, and create lasting friendships. Performing in The Nutcracker is always one of the highlights of my year, and I cannot wait to continue learning, growing, and creating new memories through this incredible experience.