Sugarplums and dreams come true!
Fillmore family pirouettes center stage with cast of professional dancers and prima ballerina in “The Nutcracker,” Nov. 22-23
Natalie Graham
Natalie Graham

Ventura County Ballet Company presents an international cast from Russia, Albania, and Kazakhstan, plus 90 dancers from Camarillo, Fillmore, Ojai, Santa Paula, Somis, and Ventura.

A student at Ballet Academy Ventura since the age of 4½, Fillmore resident Natalie Graham will dance the role of Clara in the Ventura County Ballet Company’s production of “The Nutcracker,” November 22-23 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center.
“I have wanted to dance Clara for eight years, and I am thrilled and honored to play Clara and to have the opportunity to interact on stage with my father and sister who also have supporting roles,” Natalie says. “This is a dream come true for me.”
"Natalie has grown from a toddler in my pre-ballet classes to a lovely young lady and I couldn't be happier with her role as Clara,” says Kathleen Noblin, founder and executive director of the Ventura County Ballet Company. “Choreographed by Marina Fliagina, associate artistic director of the VCBC and graduate of Perm Ballet School in Moscow, Nutcracker 2008 promises to be our most outstanding yet!"
Ninety Ballet Academy Ventura company dancers from Camarillo, Ojai, Santa Paula, Somis, and Ventura also will appear on stage.
An Authentic Nutcracker – Principle Professionals have experience.
Having danced the Nutcracker in Russia as children and young ballet stars, principal dancers include Sergei Domrachev of Russia, returning for his seventh season as The Nutcracker; and Enton Hoxha from Albania in his third year as Drosselmeyer, grandfather to Clara. In her third season with Ventura County Ballet Company, Victoria Luchkina from Kazakhstan will dance Dream Clara; and Spencer Gavin of California, who is on his second term will dance the Prince.
Performances: What:Ventura County Ballet Company presents The Nutcracker. When: 2pm and 7pm, November 22, 2008 and 2 pm, November 23, 2008. Where: Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard CA. Tickets: Adults: $23, $15, $9; $10 children 10 and under; $15 seniors 65 and over. Group rates available upon request
Information: (805) 653-2800 or www.balletacademyventura.com.
About the Ventura County Ballet Company
Kathleen Noblin founded Ballet Ventura in 1992 and has served as executive director of the company since its inception. Ballet Academy Ventura is the official in-residence school of the Ventura County Ballet Company. Students are taught creative movement as early as 2 to 3 ½ years old and pre-ballet to the age of six, through adult courses. Classes offered include beginning ballet through pre-professional levels, modern dance, flamenco, and jazz. Information: 805-653-2800 or www.balletacademyventura.com.