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Ethan and Nikki White will join the performance of the Nutcracker in Alameda this year.

'Live to Dance' stars will perform in Alameda Production

A great strength of Alameda Civic Ballet's (ACB) Nutcracker production is that it combines both the heartwarming charm of a local community production with the soaring inspiration of world-class talent, a boon for the audience as well as the dance students who participate. In this year's production, for instance, there will be more than 100 local dancers ranging in age from 4 to 60 playing roles as diverse as lady bugs and butterflies to traditional snowflakes, flowers and angels.

Joining ACB's local dancers will be professional guest artists, including special guest stars Ethan and Nikki White of White Tree Fine Art dancing in the roles of Snow Queen and King as well as the Arabian duet.

The Whites have danced professionally with such companies as Smuin Ballet, Ballet Austin, and Oakland Ballet. They recently placed third in Paula Abdul's Live to Dance on CBS. The Whites appeared in every episode and were the only ballet dancers to advance to the final round.

"It is an important part of our dancers' education not only to view professional performances from the audience but also to see how professional dancers approach rehearsal and prepare for a performance," said Abra Rudisill, ACB's artistic director. "It's an inspiration."

"One of the great benefits of our production is the opportunity for students to simply hang out back-stage with professional performers where they can chat informally and ask questions about their training and the rigors of a professional career," said ACB board member Marty Beene. "The kids love it!"

For Ethan and Nikki White, an attraction of working with a company like ACB is that it is right in line with the goals of an outreach program they created called Making Dance Matter, whose mission is to educate children about the importance of dance and art. Nikki White has written a series of children's books about "Prima the Ballerina."

The books teach children the importance and joy of dancing. She created these books based on her experience and love for teaching ballet to children.

"It's amazing to work with a school that's run as well as any professional ballet company," said Nikki White. "It's a joy to share the stage with such well trained and talented young dancers, and to perform for such an appreciative audience."

This year's Nutcracker performances are on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 17 and 18, at Kofman Auditorium, 2200 Central Ave.

Both are family-friendly matinees. For more information about the production and to purchase tickets both to the show and to the post show Sugar Plum Party, visit www.alamedanutcracker.com.