A letter to the Islanders
To the editor:
I’m writing to invite you to a truly wonderful Holiday Event! On Sunday, Dec. 14, at 3 p.m., at the Ida Baker High School Auditorium in Cape Coral, Pine Island Dance will present its 20th Anniversary Performance of “The Nutcracker.” A cast of 40 beautiful dancers will bring this magical, traditional, holiday ballet to life. Tickets are available at the studio and at the door for the admission price of $10 for adults and $5 for students. There is nothing more exciting as a dancer than looking out and seeing a large and eager audience for which to perform. So, Pine Islanders, please show your support for these talented and hard- working community kids and come to the show!
It is hard for me to believe that this is the 20th year for the studio. I was there the day Rita Farmer opened the doors in 1988 and was a student and teacher there until purchasing the studio in 2002. Over these 20 years I have had the privilege of watching many awesome Pine Island and Cape Coral kids grow up and develop their talent within the studio walls. Being a part of their lives has been and continues to be one of the greatest joys of my entire life! It is a special thing to teach the son or daughter of a dancer you taught when they were growing up themselves. It has always been my personal goal and the desire of the Pine Island Dance staff of teachers to provide a warm and family-like atmosphere where students can be nurtured as people while learning and developing valuable dance skills. We extend a warm thank you to all the students and parents who have been a part of our first 20 years!
This year’s “Nutcracker” will feature guest performances by Pine Island Dance graduates Emily Thompson, Breeza Zeller and Chris Thomas. The roles of the Sugarplum Fairy and her Prince will be played by long-time students Alysa Memoli and Evan Berlanti (each of whom are Cecchetti Council of America Ballet Scholarship recipients). Our most recent CCA Scholarship recipient, Monique Classen, will bring a touch of winter to our tropical paradise as the Snow Queen. The rest of the cast: Reanna Edwards, Skip Patterson, Monica Ditch, Cathy Oswald, Brittany Webb-Martin, Sam Webb-Martin, Danielle Demarais, Meghan Luz, Jackie Berry, Miranda Gagliardi, Emily Vitale, Jessica Hill, Hailey Pate, Katie Serrell, Ali Butler, Kaylin Hill, Brianna Jackson, Cami Wray, Isabel Bernal, Emily Garcia, Aaliyah Jackson, Maddie Luz, Marisa Luz, Elizabeth Maehl, Rachael Maehl, Ana Ortega, Anonda Rapp, Katie Reed, Isabella Sansone, Elaine Sarlo, Brandi Schulte, Morgan Skau and Ilyn Zeller will dazzle you as dolls, clowns, snowflakes, flowers, tea, marzipan, love, joy, party guests and much more! This is a show you won’t want to miss!
All of us at Pine Island Dance hope to see you there!
Sheli Thompson-Gauthier
Owner/Director of Pine Island Dance