“The Nutcracker Ballet” is a holiday tradition beloved by communities around the world, and for 31 years, Pacific Festival Ballet has brought that same cherished experience to the Conejo Valley. Each December, young audience members at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center watch in awe as Clara’s magical Christmas Eve dream unfolds on stage.
Last season, Ailis Kinney—a pre-professional ballerina from Pacific Festival Ballet’s training school, California Dance Theatre—was awarded the coveted role of Clara. Her lifelong dream of dancing alongside ballet superstar Tiler Peck from New York City Ballet came true. This year, the magic continues as Ailis’s younger sister, Ronan, steps into the very same role.
“As a child, I danced multiple roles with Pacific Festival Ballet and only dreamt of one day performing as Clara beside Ms. Peck,” Ailis shares. “Not only did my dream come true, but now my sister has the chance to share and cherish the same experience.”
Both sisters have trained daily at California Dance Theatre and performed in Pacific Festival Ballet productions for more than a decade. Taking on the role of Clara is no small feat. Each year, auditions seek dancers who possess a rare blend of skill, artistry and heart.
“The requirements for this role are vast,” explains Artistic Director Kim Maselli. “Our Claras are typically 15 to 17 years old. They must be technically strong, emotionally expressive and able to carry the audience on a journey from beginning to end. Because of the role’s demands, we always award the part to two deserving ballerinas.”
This season, another pre-professional dancer, Lisa Wilson, will share the spotlight as Clara.
“I’m beyond thrilled,” says Lisa. “It’s every little girl’s dream to be Clara. As a graduating senior, I’m honored to perform this role and excited to see where the journey leads me.”
Over the years, many former Claras from Pacific Festival Ballet have gone on to professional careers with companies such as San Francisco Ballet, American Midwest Ballet, Grand Rapids Ballet and Cincinnati Ballet. For each of them, dancing Clara was more than a role—it was a stepping stone toward realizing their dreams.
This December, the Civic Arts Plaza will once again fill with families celebrating the timeless tradition of “The Nutcracker.” And perhaps, somewhere in the audience, one little girl will be inspired to dream big. With talent, hard work and passion, dreams really do come true!
Join Pacific Festival Ballet for the magic of “The Nutcracker,” December 19–21, at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center in Thousand Oaks.
Tickets are available through the Box Office or Ticketmaster.
Learn more at PacFestBallet.org.
“As a child, I danced multiple roles with Pacific Festival Ballet and only dreamt of one day performing as Clara.”