Glendale News-Press '05

Glendale News-Press

TOP STORY
Published December 10, 2005
By Joyce Rudolph, News-Press and Leader

Acting up on the dance floor

Lead characters in "The Snow Queen" are finding that ballet is more than just graceful moves -- it's having the ability to infuse dance with emotions.

Jesse Wilson, 13, of La Cañada Flintridge, is playing Gerda, the lead children's role in the ballet produced by the California Theatrical Youth Ballet on Dec. 16, 17 and 18 at Glendale Community College theater.

The story revolves around her character, so Jesse is in every scene. The acting is a big part of the role, she said.

"There are a lot of different types of acting," she said of her part. "The scenes are different. You have to go full out on it. You can't hold back. You can't be shy. You really have to put yourself out there."

Jesse took four years of ballet, tap and jazz at Doreen's Dance School in Glendale before beginning ballet classes at California Dance Arts in La Cañada Flintridge last year. California Dance Arts is the school for the California Theatrical Youth Ballet company.

Last year, Jesse danced the role of the Guardian Angel in the company's "The Snow Queen." While it also was a principal role, it's not as taxing as playing Gerda, Jesse said.

Artistic director and choreographer Erin Holt hadn't considered Jesse for the role until the audition. But Jesse has come through beautifully, she said.

"She was the right size and she had wonderful acting ability -- terrific dramatic qualities," she said.

Because she is in every scene, Jesse has had to get used to being at all the rehearsals.

"She is one of the hardest-working Gerdas the company has ever had," Holt said. "She has to be a good dancer and actress. She leads the audience through the journey to find her best friend."

And her acting ability has improved since the audition, Holt said.

She also has to remember a lot of choreography.

"I definitely learned a lot by playing the role," Jesse said. "It's a hard role, but when show time comes, I'll be really glad I did it. The hard work will pay off."

Jesse has learned a lot from company veteran Kamissa Marshall, 16, of Sunland, who is playing the Princess for the second year.

"I'm going to raise the bar for myself," she said. "We've changed parts of the choreography to improve it. There are more impressive lifts and harder promenades, when the male partner walks around the female partner and turns her, and harder turn sequences."

Kamissa has been dancing with the company for eight years. And she tries to challenge the dancers as they grow with the company, Holt said.

"She rises to the challenge every time," Holt said.

FYI

WHO: California Theatrical Youth Ballet

WHAT: "The Snow Queen" based on the original story by Hans Christian Andersen, music composed by Randall Michael Tobin

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17; and 2 p.m. Dec. 18

WHERE: Glendale Community College theater, 1500 N. Verdugo Road, Glendale

TICKETS: $18 and $13 for students in advance; $20 and $15 at the door

CONTACT: (818) 790-7924