The Final Bow

Ava's wish last Christmas was to be IN the Nutcracker this Christmas. Her wish has been fulfilled. She played a "Santa's helper" in 5 of the 7 shows put on by The Ballet studio of Temecula. The Nutcracker is their adaptation performed at the Community Theater in Old Town Temecula. Last year the studio made a documentary that won a local film festival. http://www.nutcrackerdocumentary.com/

Ava did a wonderful job in the show. Always a professional dancer, even at 6 years old. She has been bitten by the "show" bug. She had such am immensely good time that she exclaimed after the first show that she wanted to "do it again" in the second show of that night! We weren't required to do both shows but I agreed to stay and let her perform again that evening. Over the course of 6 days and 7 shows total Ava performed in 5 shows.

She had a special part....in exchange for her mentoring one of the younger helpers during the show she was asked to be the last elf when the elves crossed the stage the final time. The last elf would get to pause, wink and blow a kiss to the audience. This elf was mischievous and fun! Ava delighted in having a special part.

I think this is the first of many shows that Ava will perform in. She's no longer satisfied by the "recital". She said that performing in a run of a show is more exciting and that she "had the best time of her life". She is extremely grateful to the Director of the studio, Mr. Mark Erickson for giving her this special opportunity.