BALLET: The Nutcracker -- 7, 8, 9 Dec 2012

Posted: 29 Nov 12

Black Diamond Ballet Theatre's 'The Nutcracker' returns after three-year absence

By Roni Gehlke
for the Contra Costa Times
Posted:   11/28/2012 02:43:32 PM PST
Updated:   11/28/2012 02:43:33 PM PST

The three-day event, which returns after a three-year absence

 due to renovations at the Creative Arts Building in Pittsburg, will take place on Dec. 7, 8 and 9.

<< Click here to see their gorgeous poster >>

The Black Diamond Theater ballet dancers rehearse The Nutcracker at the Dance Studio in Antioch,...

Playing a role in "The Nutcracker" is nothing new for local young ballet star Ashley Mendoza. She's performed a role or two in other productions of the holiday favorite. The difference is this year is she will be sharing the experience with her older sister Emily.

Emily, 14, had been wrapped up in gymnastics for many years before she gave ballet a try, while Ashley, 10, has been dancing since she was 3.

• "I never really paid attention to Ashley's dancing until one day I thought, that could be fun," Emily said.
• Over the last few months the sisters have been practicing for their upcoming roles in the Black Diamond Ballet Theatre's production of "The Nutcracker." 

• "I'm really excited to be playing the role of Fritz, the little brother of Claire," Ashley said.
• Ashley is no stranger to playing in front of an audience. She's even held a role in the "The Nutcracker" in the Oakland Children's' Ballet. She has also performed in "Tinker Bell," "Peter Pan, "The Little Match Girl" and "Pinocchio." Ashley has worked on two other productions with her sister as well.
• "Every time you dance in a play it is always different," Ashley said. "Each dance company adds their own little touch to it. I hope people will like it."
• In this production, Emily has been given a chance to work closely with the professionals involved in the ballet. 
• Emily has been dancing for four years and has become more serious about the possibility of becoming a professional herself.
• She is taking on a few different roles throughout "The Nutcracker" production, including that of a snowflake, flower and one of the Russian dancers.
• "I'm really having fun working with Ashley," Emily said. "It gives us something to do together."

"The Nutcracker" has long been a favorite ballet for the holidays. 

The story features a young German girl who dreams about a Nutcracker Prince and a fierce battle against a Mouse King with seven heads.

This Black Diamond Ballet Theater production of "The Nutcracker" will be presented under the artistic direction of Sharon Sobel Idul and includes professional and student dancers from throughout East Contra Costa County.

Professional dancers are: 

• Savannah Leigh Drew of Antioch (Snow, Waltz of the Flowers, French Miriltons); 
• Sarah Hernandez of Concord (Sugar Plum); 
• Andrea Herrera of Antioch (Snow, Waltz of the Flowers, and Spanish Chocolate); 
• Jennifer Kauer of Elk Grove (Snow, Waltz of the Flowers, and French Miriltons); 
• Alexandra Lengyel of Brentwood (Rose Queen and Arabian); 
• Ricky Navarro of Antioch (Sugar Plum Caviler); 
• and Mary Wilson of Canoga Park (Snow Queen).

Tickets are available online through www.blackdiamondballet.org.

If you go

What: Black Diamond Ballet Theatre's 'The Nutcracker'

When: 

7:30 p.m. Dec. 7, 8 (FRI/SAT)

AND 

2 p.m. Dec. 9 (SUN)

Where: Creative Arts Building, 250 School St., Pittsburg 

Info: 925-7540-9833 or online at www.blackdiamondballet.org

Cost: $15 children (12 and under) and seniors -- $20 adults

HOLIDAY PARADE and Other Events, 12/8/SAT

Posted Date: 19 Nov 12

Holiday Parade and Other Events

Parade, Peppermint Plaza, And Tree Lighting

1.  11/29 Update:  BALLET: The Nutcracker Suite: Pittsburg: 7 thru 9 Dec 2012 (see this Blog article)


2.  Join us for a day of Holiday events on Saturday, December 8th that will be fun for the whole family.

• The Holiday Parade along Railroad Avenue with floats, fancy cars and marching music begins at 11 a.m. The parade route begins at 8th Street and ends at 3rd Street.
• Holiday Boutique with crafts and gifts from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 690 Railroad Avenue (next to the Railroad Depot Bookstore.) 
• Peppermint Playland activities and seasonal fun from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Old Town Plaza, Railroad Avenue and 5th Street.
• Holiday Tree Lighting begins at 5:30 p.m. at Railroad Avenue and 4th Street. Start the holiday season with some sparkle. 
• These December 8 events are sponsored by the Pittsburg Arts and Community Foundation, Inc., the Old Town Pittsburg Business District Association, and the City of Pittsburg.

For More Information, Click Here:

Holiday Parade and Events

Early Signs of Holiday Season In East County and...

Posted: 16 Nov 12

I'm starting to see the signs...

HERE IN PITTSBURG

This evening, my wife and I had a nice, late dinner at Lumpy's Diner in Old Downtown Pittsburg, 615 Railroad Ave.

I was so pleased to see lots of trees along the Avenue, carefully adorned with white Christmas lights (and some with blue).  It immediately suggested the change of seasons.  But such lights at night almost always give a place a fairyland sort of feel at any time.

It's obvious that the work was recently started and probably progressed at the Recreation and Maintenance Department's typically brisk pace.  There's a little left to do, down toward the Mecca.

We think it's a smashing success already.  It looks beautiful.  Especially after a good rain.  Cool, calm evening.  Nice.

We have Don Buchanan (Director of Recreation and Maintenance) and his team to thank (again!!) for dressing up the street -- among the awesome array of other things he does for us all, with his small staff and contractors.  So, thank you once again, Buck!!!

IN EAST COUNTY

Recently, I discovered a great website, serving East County -- namely, ANTIOCH, BRENTWOOD, OAKLEY, and PITTSBURG.  The site, EastCountyLive.com is owned and operated by Frank MacCallister.

I am so happy to have discovered Frank's work.  Before I'm done, I want to identify ALL such sites that serve our territories of concern and gather their links, all in one convenient place.  Once we're all joined together, you're never going to miss a thing again.

Take a look at the events calendar he provides. (click here) For starters, you will see that tomorrow, Brentwood will be holding its 30TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARADE, Saturday, 17 November, starting at 2:30 pm.  Among other things, there'll be floats, cars, horses, dance groups and Santa arriving in a beautiful white, horse driven carriage.

It's an early start on the season, but you've got to start it somewhere.  Brentwood's parade is an extremely popular and successful event.  It appears people like getting into the spirit a little earlier.

Frank's calendar and site will help keep you informed.  Be sure to bookmark it.  Thank you, Frank.  You can also subscribe to his e-newsletter which he releases every Thursday.

If you want to expand your reach for your public events (largely for free in this sector of the County), check out Frank's calendar and place your event message with him.

And keep an eye on this Journal  -- the team is growing -- and the mission is crystalizing!

David Nelson


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