Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity Awaits Lake Orion Dancers in Moscow Ballet's 'The Russian Nutcracker'

Seven dancers from a Lake Orion studio are joining the company of the prestigious Moscow Ballet as guest dancers in the ballet’s performance of the  “Great Russian Nutcracker”  at 5 p.m. Dec. 22 at Detroit’s Fox Theater.

The students from the  Broadway Dance Company who will be dancing in the timeless classic are Kaylee Adair, Allyson Botos, Mallory Botos, Elizabeth Gerke, Anthony Larnard, Taylor Mosier and Gianna Snowden.

They were among 60 dancers selected after an open audition in October and have been rehearsing each weekend since for their roles with award-winning Russian dancers in the timeless holiday classic.

The dancers will perform as Party Children, Mice, Snowflakes, Angels and in other roles.

Moscow Ballet has a long tradition of involving local children in productions under its “Dance With Us” program. Student dancers ages 7-16 perform side-by-side with the company of 40 professionals, performing choreography created exclusively for them and wearing professional costumes.

“From start to finish … it is an excellent way for dancers to understand both the discipline and fun involved in a professional ballet production,” former Somerville NJ Gotta Dance student Hillary-Marie Michael, now director of Jersey Tap Fest, said in a story on the Detroit Nutcracker web site.

The timeless story of peace features solo dances by ambassadors from Hispanic, African, Russian, Asian and European heritage, and costuming is all new for the 2013 show. The hand-embellished costumes designed by Shakespearean expert Arthur Oliver and created in St. Petersburg’s oldest theatrical costume shop.

Audiences are raving:

“We saw the Nutcracker on December 7 and we are in love! Thank you so very much. It was beautiful, magical, and captivating.” - From Cleveland

“What a glorious performance of grace, technique, physical prowess, and amazing story. I totally immersed myself into the opulence and grandeur. It has been decades since I've felt the thrill of this kind of energy and joy of creativity!” - From Butte

“Thank you again for the opportunity to see the Moscow Ballet's performance. The young [student] dancers from Idaho Falls were SO excited to perform with the ballet company a number of them came up to be after the show and said their dreams came true tonight. It was such a pleasure to watch.” - From Idaho Falls News Anchor

“Thank you Moscow's Ballet Great Russian Nutcracker for your beauty, grace and elegance and precision and for sharing this with this old man. I am humbled and very grateful.” - From Little Rock

“We want to thank the Russian ballet for the opportunity provided our daughter as a Musical Wunderkind…[MB] provided her the opportunity to shine of which she took full advantage. Thank you.” - From Memphis

“I just wanted you to know I was thoroughly impressed [with Moscow Ballet].  Outstanding!  Wow!” - From Paducah Clear Channel General Manager

Tickets start at $28, with discounts available at (800) 320-1733  for groups of 10 or more and Girl Scout troops. VIP and single tickets available through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or online.

To have a portion of the proceeds of your ticket benefit the Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation, use the code DANCE when ordering. Soloist Carolina Siscanu greeted and visited with the young patients at Children’s Hospital of Michigan in October as part of a partnership between the hospital and the Moscow Ballet to raise funds for the hospital.

Michelle Larnard of Lake Orion, a Michigan State University graduate and dance enthusiastic, opened the Broadway Dance Company studio in 2012 and offers lessons in varying levels and dance styles. Courses include jazz, pointe, pointe and other classes, including “Broadway Babies,” an introductory class that inspires creative movement in very young dancers.

Fitness classes such vinyasa yoga, slow burn yoga, regular yoga and zumba are also offered.