2022 Lead Dancer Spotlights
SUGAR PLUM FAIRY
Tes Laflan
Age: 14
What are you most excited about for this year’s performance?
This year I am most excited to be able to see all of my friends perform their parts.
Why do you participate in MPBT’s Productions and what does it mean to you?
I love being a part of MPBT because I love to see how everything comes together, and it provides opportunities for the future.
Fun Fact about Tes?
When I was 2 years-old I was very sneaky. At night I would climb over the rails of my crib, grab my favorite purple ruffled leotard and switch out of my footed pajamas. I guess I needed to feel in costume as I slept and let my dreams of being a dancer take over.
CLARA
Kassia Silva
Age: 15
What are you most excited about for this year’s performance?
I am most excited to be playing the role of Clara in this year’s performance. It has been my dream role since I started dancing at age three. Because my character is woven into almost every scene, I am excited that I get to share the stage with nearly every member of our amazing cast.
Why do you participate in MPBT’s Productions and what does it mean to you?
Participating in MPBT’s Productions is a culmination of all my hard work throughout the year as a ballerina. It is an annual milestone and celebration of how much I’ve grown from year to year, and I love getting to share this experience with some of my closest friends.
Fun Fact about Kassia?
I’ve been homeschooled my whole life and have been studying at MPC since 8th grade. I am currently working towards a major in chemistry.
ARABIAN LEAD
Sage Melton
DEW DROP
Isabelle Kraft
Age: 16
What are you most excited about for this year’s performance?
This year I am so excited to be performing as Dew Drop, I have always loved Waltz of the Flowers and I am honored to have one of the lead roles in this piece.
Why do you participate in MPBT’s Productions and what does it mean to you?
Being a part of MPBT requires a lot of hard work and it has helped me build my strength and focus during rehearsals and on stage. Most of all however, I love participating in MPBT because I get to dance alongside some of my favorite people. Being a part of MPBT means learning and growing alongside friends, with the help of incredibly supportive teachers.
Fun Fact about Isabelle?
In addition to dance, I love to draw, paint (particularly with watercolors) and read.
ROSE QUEEN
Ava Camargo
Age: 17
What are you most excited about for this year’s performance?
After not performing in the nutcracker for two years, I am really excited to get back on stage in such an incredible production of this iconic ballet. Since this will be my last Nutcracker, I am so grateful that I get to share the stage with some of my best friends as one of my favorite roles.
Why do you participate in MPBT’s Productions and what does it mean to you?
This will be my first performance with MPBT, however I have known most of these dancers, as well as Tia, for quite a while, and I love the supportive and inspirational environment that has been created in our rehearsals. It also means a lot to me that we will be performing at one of my favorite places, Sunset Center. I have so many memories there and I can’t wait to make more with my new MPBT family.
SNOW QUEEN
Cecilia Yu
ANGEL QUEEN
Maya Yamada
Age: 17
What are you most excited about for this year’s performance?
Since this is my last Nutcracker performance, I am excited to perform one last time on the Sunset Center stage with some of my closest friends.
Why do you participate in MPBT’s Productions and what does it mean to you?
I chose to participate in MPBT’s production of the Nutcracker because of all the support and memories it brings to the community.
Fun Fact about Maya?
A fun fact about me is that I have a blind dog named Coco!
SERAPHIM
Grace Gargotta
Age:17
What are you most excited about for this year’s performance?
I am most excited about this year's Nutcracker performance because it is my last one! I am excited to share the stage with some of my closest friends and be supported by my family in the audience!
Why do you participate in MPBT’s Productions and what does it mean to you?
I choose to be a part of MPBT because of all the love and support from each and every dancer and facilitator. MPBT is such a special organization, built with a foundation of people who share the same love and passion for dance working for a common goal. I love being surrounded by like-minded people.
Fun Fact about Grace?
When I am not dancing, I am managing the social media for The Carmel High School Film Club, PadreTV: Carmel High Schools arts and entertainment platform, and Carmel High Dance Company!!!!
SERAPHIM
Sierra Wouden-Crosno
Age: 17
What are you most excited about for this year’s performance?
This year I am most excited to perform with new and old friends for the last time for my senior year and be a Seraphim for the first time in the Angel Scene.
Why do you participate in MPBT’s Productions and what does it mean to you?
To me MPBT is a family and being a part of their productions is spending quality time with my family. I choose to participate not only because it has become a fun holiday tradition to do the Nutcracker every year but it is also a great way to improve my performance quality and technique while making memories with my closest friends.
Fun Fact about Sierra?
I love to travel to new places and go on fun adventures. I have been shark diving in Hawaii and sailing around the islands of Croatia.
MOUSE QUEEN & LEAD CHEF
Meg Laflan
Age: 17
What are you most excited about for this year’s performance?
I am very excited to be this years mouse queen, and to be able to play such a significant role in the nutcracker. I am also excited to spend time with the backstage family.
Why do you participate in MPBT’s Productions and what does it mean to you?
I love to participate in the productions that MPBT puts on because it’s a away to bond more with my fellow dancers. All the time spent being around and learning from each other in rehearsal is one of the best ways to bond. Another reason is learning how to perform more and better myself in dance. It means so much to me that I get to work hard for something that I will enjoy doing with amazing people, and that I’ve grown such amazing friendships everyone back stage.
Fun Fact about Meg?
A fun fact about me is that I am a Homeschooled senior, and I will graduate with my associates degree.
SPANISH LEAD
Rachel Holmes
Age: 19
What are you most excited about for this year’s performance?: When I was six years old and asked why I loved performing so much, I said that I loved the applause. I think there is truth to these words, even now. The bows for the first show are always different from the final bows, where you step back and realize how far you’ve come, how much you and so many insanely talented people have accomplished. There’s a moment of realization under the lights that this is what it was all for, that this is the point (or pointe) of it all. I’m most excited for the opportunity to dance, whether it be rehearsal keeping you on your toes (literally and metaphorically) or the shining final performances. When all is said and done, it’s more than our performance. It’s a performance for everyone.
Why do you participate in MPBT’s Productions and what does it mean to you?: Being a part of MPBT’s Nutcracker is about so much more than the final performance—it is the time, effort, and love that goes into every step of the process. There is no greater gift than being a part of something greater than myself, a single stitch in a beautiful tapestry. From the first audition to the last dress rehearsal, dancers, parents, costumers, teachers, and so many more all come together to create something truly special.
LEAD REED PIPE
Dana Pfeiffer
Age: 14
What are you most excited about for this year’s performance?
I'm excited to see the new details and changes made to the show. Every year is always different and each year brings something a little more magical.
Why do you participate in MPBT’s Productions and what does it mean to you?
MPBT’s Nutcracker is something I look forward to every year. Watching my friends and I improve and grow with the support of MPBT is really special. The memories I have made within the past few years I hope to keep with me forever and I can't wait to make so many more!
Fun Fact about Dana?
A fun fact about me is that when I was little I wanted to be a ballerina-racecar driver. I can't drive yet but maybe I can make that happen haha. :)
LEAD REED PIPE
Paige McDonald
Age:13
What are you most excited about for this year’s performance?
Being a part of Nutcracker again- The process and the performance is always a highlight
of the year for me. Also seeing growth from year to year and getting bigger and bigger
roles each is always a big deal to me.
Why do you participate in MPBT’s Productions and what does it mean to you?
To be apart of the community. See all of our hard work be presented in such a beautiful way.it means everything to me we put in such long hours, teachers and students to showcase what we love each year. there are always new things to the choreo and the teachers want it to be based purely on us dancers
Fun Fact about Paige?
I went to Paris Opera Ballet and San Francisco Ballet this summer to improve. It was a wonderful experience.
LEAD REED PIPE
Josae Perez
Age: 17
What are you most excited about for this year’s performance?
This year I am very excited to make new memories with this wonderful cast! It is my last year being apart of MPBT’s, The Nutcracker, and I can not wait to take the stage as one of the this year’s Reed Pipes and Flowers.
Why do you participate in MPBT’s Productions and what does it mean to you?
I participate in MPBT’s productions because it is a place in which I am able to express myself through dance and express the joy that I have for dance on stage. Everyone at MPBT is very welcoming and they make everyone feel like family. MPBT has also helped me grow my confidence, not just as a dancer, but as a person.
Fun Fact about Josae?
A fun fact about me is that I like to watercolor paint and crochet when I have free time (that is WHEN I have free time). As my mom likes to say, I am an artist at heart.
Lead CANDY CANE
Amber Kane
Age: 15
What are you most excited about for this year’s performance?
This Nutcracker I am definitely looking forward to playing such a fun, lovable role. I had always loved the Candy Canes with their high energy, engaging performance, and I am more than grateful to now be apart of it. It is so enjoyable to dance in a stylistic way that shows my strengths and abilities in the best light. Every week I look forward to perfecting our piece, alongside my co-lead Lauren Williams.
Why do you participate in MPBT’s Productions and what does it mean to you?
A simple answer would be because of the people I bond with, but it’s much deeper than that. The connections I make with my fellow cast members is something out of the ordinary. After spending countless hours together all striving to reach the shared goal of performing in the most elegant way possible, I’ve noticed I see a difference side of the ballerinas I work with. They don’t just become my friends, they become my family.
Fun Fact about you?
One fun fact about myself is that I love all parts of the arts. Just naming a few would be composing, singing, acting, digital and visual arts, and of course so much more. I want to continue to grow my knowledge of the arts in all different directions, not just dance. I believe that in order to fully understand and appreciate the arts, that must include all the different variations of it! I hope my passion for creativity continues to grow as I mature into a young adult.
LEAD CANDY CANE
Lauren Williams
Age: 15
What are you most excited about for this year’s performance?
I am most excited about being Lead Candy Cane. I was a mini Candy Cane when I was younger and it feels so amazing to go from a mini to a lead. I am also very excited about being a Snowflake because I was also a little snowflake as a kid.
Why do you participate in MPBT’s Productions and what does it mean to you?
I have been in productions of the Nutcracker choreographed by Tia since I was four years old. The special part for me is that my mom and I have danced in the Nutcracker each of these several years of participating in this ballet. I love the tradition that my mom and I have the ability to dance together. I absolutely love being in the Nutcracker especially since I love Christmas and the Christmas festivities that go along with the Nutcracker.
Fun Fact about Lauren?
I have been dancing for about thirteen years now. I started dancing at 18 months with my mom as my dance teacher at that age. I have lived at the dance studio ever since. I was once a mini mouse in the fight scene, but when it came to show time, it was too dark and scary so I cried backstage to my mom, told her I had a stomach ache, and refused to go on stage. When I am older, I would like to work in the medical field as an orthopedic specialist. My goal is to work with athletes, but I would love to work with dancers!
LEAD SOLDIER DOLL
Julius Dutta
Age: 14 years old
What are you most excited about for this year’s performance?
I’m really excited to add tap into this year's nutcracker. It’s been so much fun choreographing the tap with Mrs Laura and seeing how well it blends with the rest of the ballet. I believe that It will create a lot of opportunities for tap dancers that don’t take ballet.
Why do you participate in MPBT’s Productions and what does it mean to you?
I’ve participated in the nutcracker for about nine years and it’s such an incredible opportunity that we have with MPBT. Every year I’m able to learn and improve my ballet, and have fun with my friends. Each year it’s an amazing thing to see the production come together in just a few months, and it’s so much fun to see what new part you’ll get.
Fun Fact about Julius?
A couple things about me is: tap is my favorite style of dance, I’ve done dance for around 12 years, and I also participate in mock trial and tennis. Thank you!
LEAD BALLERINA DOLL
Chloe Haggquist
LEAD BALLERINA DOLL
Kate Bunch
Age: 16
What are you most excited about for this year’s performance?
I’ve been away from the magic of Nutcracker for far too long, due to Covid and then an injury. I am happy to be back and I am beyond excited to be returning to the beautiful Sunset Center stage and experience its buzzing atmosphere again.
Why do you participate in MPBT’s Productions and what does it mean to you?
I chose to be a part of Nutcracker because of the immense joy that it brings me. Whether walking into the studio for rehearsal or stepping on that stage for the first performance, I am pumped for every second of it. It is a great privilege to be a part of such a loving community like this one and I cannot wait to experience it again with all my favorite people around me.
Fun Fact about Kate?
One fun fact about me is that my middle name is Prentiss and when I was a little girl I thought it was princess.
LEAD CHEF
Summer Griffin
Age: 14
What are you most excited about for this year’s performance?
I’m excited to participate in the activities and responsibilities that come with being a lead.
Why do you participate in MPBT’s Productions and what does it mean to you?
I love watching full productions and I also love being in them. I love the idea of creating a story through dance and performing it in front of an audience.
LEAD CHEF
Ellika Dwelle
Age: 14
What are you most excited about for this year’s performance?
I am most excited to work with all the wonderful people on the nutcracker cast as well as perform my first lead role! I’m also excited to be in Mother Ginger’s scene, which is one of my favorites!
Why do you participate in MPBT’s Productions and what does it mean to you?
I participate in these productions because I love to perform, and getting to do it with all of my friends is even better! The community is fantastic and everybody is so kind and supportive, Nutcracker creates some of the most wonderful friendships.
Fun Fact about Ellika?
My fun fact is that I have been to Africa, which was a super cool experience.
LEAD CHEF
Stella Freeman
Age: 14
What are you most excited about for this year’s performance?
I am very excited to perform in this year's nutcracker. It is truly a special time of year and I cannot wait to be back on stage and make many more memories that will last a lifetime.
Why do you participate in MPBT’s Productions and what does it mean to you?
I chose to be a part of mpbt because of all the opportunities and the community it provides. Mpbt is like a family to me and I am grateful for the love and support I receive from all of the dancers and teachers.
Fun Fact about Stella?
Dance has been a part of my life since I was very little, and I enjoy all types of dance.
LEAD CHINESE
Sasha Rubiano
LEAD CHINESE
Ella Gaily
Age: 16
What are you most excited about for this year’s performance?
I’m particularly excited to be a part of the party scene this year, as there’s more acting and so much happening. I can’t wait to be a Chinese Lead as well, and getting the opportunity to have a lot more time on stage throughout the show this year!
Why do you participate in MPBT’s Productions and what does it mean to you?
MPBT and the Nutcracker has become a Christmas tradition for me and so many of us, in the same way watching the Nutcracker is a tradition for so many. Being a part of such an amazing and professional production, challenging myself as a dancer, being a part of the community here that I would say gets even more close-knit during Nutcracker season, and portraying the joy of dancing in a show that so many love never fails to make my Christmas season perfect!
LEAD CHINESE
Violet Holdridge
Age: 16
What are you most excited about for this year’s performance?
For this year's Nutcracker performance I am especially excited to have my first lead role! Chinese lead is more than I could have hoped for, and this being only my second Nutcracker, I couldn't be happier to have such an amazing role. Being a lead has already helped me grow as a dancer enormously, and I feel so thrilled to be able to present what I've learned on stage.
Why do you participate in MPBT’s Productions and what does it mean to you?
I love participating in MPBT because of how it has shaped me as a ballet dancer, by helping me become more confident in my abilities. Especially though, I build lasting relationships with my fellow dancers throughout the process, which is something very meaningful to me. The magic of the costumes and sets in the Nutcracker production also continually motivates and inspires me.
Fun Fact about Violet?
One interesting thing you might not know about me, is that I have always been enthusiastic about many types of performing other than ballet! From an early age I have had a passion for singing and acting, as well as dancing, so it is sometimes hard for me to choose which to do!
ADDITIONAL LEADS COMING SOON