One would never guess the beauty being created in an unassuming building in the Houghton area of Kirkland.
Two internationally accomplished ballet dancers from New York have quietly slipped in to rehearse for the Eastside’s most authentic Nutcracker produced by International Ballet Theatre.
It is tribute to International Ballet Theatre’s Founder and Artistic Director Vera Altunina’s international reputation and solid credentials that IBT is able to attract such talent.
IBT company members and students from the International School of Classical Ballet will join the guest principals in lighting up Bellevue’s intimate Meydenbauer Theatre.
ISCB in Kirkland is the official preparatory school of International Ballet Theatre, and some of ISCB’s most promising dancers gain unprecedented main stage experience by their participation in this wonderful production.
Many performers in this season’s The Nutcracker by International Ballet Theatre are Kirkland residents:
• Audrey Robinson, Snowflake & Dance of the Mirlitons, IBT Company Member & ISCB Professional Division, Lake Washington High School
• Maddy Tucker, Columbine Doll, Snowflake & Dance of the Mirlitons, IBT Company Member & ISCB Professional Division, Lake Washington High School
• Clarissa Lambert, Snowflake, Butterfly & Waltz of the Flowers Demi-Soloist, IBT Company Apprentice & ISCB Professional Division, Kirkland Junior High
• Arezu Piroozmandi, Russian Variation, IBT Company Apprentice & ISCB Professional Division, Inglemoor High School
• Vivian Bernstein, Drummer, ISCB Student Level II, Robert Frost Elementary
• Kalaya De Leon, Soldier, ISCB Student Level II
• Vivian Goodman, Drummer, ISCB Student Level II, Peter Kirk Elementary
• Annie Charvat, Party Girl, Clown & Cavalry, ISCB Student Level III, Evergreen Academy
• Samantha Park, Drummer & Clown, ISCB Student Level III, Peter Kirk Elementary
• Cassandra Foy, Party Girl, Clown & Cavalry, ISCB Student Level IV
• Julia Lie, Party Girl, Clown & Cavalry, ISCB Student Level IV, St Thomas School
• Amelia Greenberg, Mouse, Pixie & Waltz of the Flowers Corps, ISCB Student Level V, Finn Hill Junior High
• Susan Berkey, Party Guest, Adult Character Dancer
• Bruce Evans, Clara’s Father, Adult Character Dancer
• Suzanne Malcolm, Party Guest, Adult Character Dancer
Everyone loves The Nutcracker – the classic holiday tale of dreams, faith and love. IBT’s choreography uniquely respects the original ballet that premiered in St. Petersburg, Russia in 1892.
Nowhere else will you see this sparkling story told with more beauty and authenticity.
Performances are Dec. 16-18 and Dec. 21-23. For information, visit www.ibtBellevue.org.
