upcoming events
| DANCERS |
Principle Dancers
Samantha Palmer started her dance training with the Civic Dance Center when she was five years
old and also trained at summer programs with the San Francisco Ballet Company and the Contra
Costa Ballet. After graduating from West High School, Samantha attended the University of
California Irvine (UCI) as a dance major and obtained her Bachelor of Arts. While studying at UCI
Samantha had the opportunity to study with renowned choreographer Donald McKayle and was
chosen to be a member of his Etudes Ensemble. Samantha also enjoyed training with David
Allen who has choreographed pieces for the New York City Ballet. One of many high points in her
time at UCI was having the opportunity to perform in George Balanchine’s ballet, Serenade. After
graduation from UCI, Samantha trained with Diane Diefenderfer to become a Pilates instructor.
After a brief time dancing in San Francisco, Samantha returned to Bakersfield where she now
teaches Pilates at the Golden Youth Spa and Pilates studio as well as being a member of the
Civic Dance Center faculty. Furthering her Pilates training, Samantha received two certifications
through the Balanced Body University. Samantha was one of the original members of what is now
known as Imagine Ballet Company. This will be her fifth season dancing as a principal dancer
with the Company.
old and also trained at summer programs with the San Francisco Ballet Company and the Contra
Costa Ballet. After graduating from West High School, Samantha attended the University of
California Irvine (UCI) as a dance major and obtained her Bachelor of Arts. While studying at UCI
Samantha had the opportunity to study with renowned choreographer Donald McKayle and was
chosen to be a member of his Etudes Ensemble. Samantha also enjoyed training with David
Allen who has choreographed pieces for the New York City Ballet. One of many high points in her
time at UCI was having the opportunity to perform in George Balanchine’s ballet, Serenade. After
graduation from UCI, Samantha trained with Diane Diefenderfer to become a Pilates instructor.
After a brief time dancing in San Francisco, Samantha returned to Bakersfield where she now
teaches Pilates at the Golden Youth Spa and Pilates studio as well as being a member of the
Civic Dance Center faculty. Furthering her Pilates training, Samantha received two certifications
through the Balanced Body University. Samantha was one of the original members of what is now
known as Imagine Ballet Company. This will be her fifth season dancing as a principal dancer
with the Company.
Senior Company Members
Tara Shearer is twenty two years old and attends CSUB, majoring in child development. In the
future, she hopes to become an elementary school teacher. She loves to work with young
children, which helps her with teaching classes at Civic Dance Center. Tara has danced at the
studio since she was eleven, and has been a part of The Nutcracker for nine years. Some of her
starring roles have included Snow Queen, Wind Up Doll, and Ribbon Candy. She has been a
company member of the Imagine Ballet Company for seven years, which has allowed her to share
her passion for dance with others. She has also performed with Bakersfield Music Theatre in their
production of Cats. Tara was a member of Civic Dance Center’s performing group, Troupe Civic
for numerous years, through which she won multiple scholarships at West Coast Dance
Explosion, NUVO, and Jump dance conventions. She is very excited to be attending this year's
Regional Dance of America in Montreal, Canada.
future, she hopes to become an elementary school teacher. She loves to work with young
children, which helps her with teaching classes at Civic Dance Center. Tara has danced at the
studio since she was eleven, and has been a part of The Nutcracker for nine years. Some of her
starring roles have included Snow Queen, Wind Up Doll, and Ribbon Candy. She has been a
company member of the Imagine Ballet Company for seven years, which has allowed her to share
her passion for dance with others. She has also performed with Bakersfield Music Theatre in their
production of Cats. Tara was a member of Civic Dance Center’s performing group, Troupe Civic
for numerous years, through which she won multiple scholarships at West Coast Dance
Explosion, NUVO, and Jump dance conventions. She is very excited to be attending this year's
Regional Dance of America in Montreal, Canada.
Katherine Shue is a senior at Frontier High School and studies at Civic Dance Center, where
she has been dancing since she was 4 years old. She has performed such roles as Snow
Queen, Lead Garland, and Flower in The Nutcracker Ballet with The Bakersfield Symphony
Orchestra. This past summer she attended the American Ballet Theater summer intensive in
Austin, Texas. This is her 1st season with the company.
she has been dancing since she was 4 years old. She has performed such roles as Snow
Queen, Lead Garland, and Flower in The Nutcracker Ballet with The Bakersfield Symphony
Orchestra. This past summer she attended the American Ballet Theater summer intensive in
Austin, Texas. This is her 1st season with the company.
Kira Morris has been training at Civic Dance Center since the age of 7. She has been performing
in The Nutcracker for the past 8 seasons. Some of her roles have been Little Clara, Snow
Princess, Ribbon Candy, and she will be Dream Clara for the upcoming 2011 performance. Kira
attended the American Ballet Theatre's summer intensive program in 2010 and Pacific Northwest
Ballet summer intensive in 2011. She is a junior at Liberty High School and is involved in ASB,
Spanish Honors Society, and is a member of CSF. This is Kira's 4th season with Imagine Ballet
Company.
in The Nutcracker for the past 8 seasons. Some of her roles have been Little Clara, Snow
Princess, Ribbon Candy, and she will be Dream Clara for the upcoming 2011 performance. Kira
attended the American Ballet Theatre's summer intensive program in 2010 and Pacific Northwest
Ballet summer intensive in 2011. She is a junior at Liberty High School and is involved in ASB,
Spanish Honors Society, and is a member of CSF. This is Kira's 4th season with Imagine Ballet
Company.
Julia Clausen is an eleventh grade honor student at Bakersfield Christian High School. She has
been dancing with Civic Dance Center for twelve years, and she has been teaching there for two
years as well. This will be her tenth season performing in The Nutcracker Ballet. Past roles
include Spanish Princess, Young Clara, and Snow Princess. She has danced with the Imagine
Ballet Company for four years, and has traveled around the country with the company to
participate in the annual convention of Regional Dance America Pacific (RDAP). Last year her
piece “There, and Back Again” was chosen for RDAP’s emerging choreographers performance.
been dancing with Civic Dance Center for twelve years, and she has been teaching there for two
years as well. This will be her tenth season performing in The Nutcracker Ballet. Past roles
include Spanish Princess, Young Clara, and Snow Princess. She has danced with the Imagine
Ballet Company for four years, and has traveled around the country with the company to
participate in the annual convention of Regional Dance America Pacific (RDAP). Last year her
piece “There, and Back Again” was chosen for RDAP’s emerging choreographers performance.
Shelby Hagelstein is nineteen years old and a junior at California State University Bakersfield.
She is studying to become a high school English teacher. This is her sixth year with the ballet
company. Shelby loves the community events and participation the company offers and also
enjoys attending the Regional Dance America festival each year. Last year she was chosen to
participate in the honors class at the RDA festival in Las Vegas. Shelby performs with the
Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra in The Nutcracker with Civic Dance Center and has had the
honor of performing such roles as: Mother, Arabian, Snow Maiden, and Rose. She looks forward
to this year in the company and the many that will follow.
She is studying to become a high school English teacher. This is her sixth year with the ballet
company. Shelby loves the community events and participation the company offers and also
enjoys attending the Regional Dance America festival each year. Last year she was chosen to
participate in the honors class at the RDA festival in Las Vegas. Shelby performs with the
Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra in The Nutcracker with Civic Dance Center and has had the
honor of performing such roles as: Mother, Arabian, Snow Maiden, and Rose. She looks forward
to this year in the company and the many that will follow.
Keira Whitaker is a senior at Centennial High School where she is the ASB Secretary, a member
of C.S.F., the Honors Society, and French Honors Society. She attends Civic Dance Center for her
training where she performs in The Nutcracker and she is also a member of Troupe Civic. She
attended Hubbard Street Dance Intensive this past summer and has also spent two summers at
the American Ballet Theatre Intensive. She has participated in the International Youth America
Grand Prix and won several scholarships for dance over the past few years. Keira has been
dancing since she was 2 1/2 and plans to continue dancing in a college dance program while
continuing to grow as a choreographer and dance instructor. Keira is very thankful for the
opportunity to dance with IBC, for the time she has to dance with her brother Kai, and for the
support of her two loving parents.
of C.S.F., the Honors Society, and French Honors Society. She attends Civic Dance Center for her
training where she performs in The Nutcracker and she is also a member of Troupe Civic. She
attended Hubbard Street Dance Intensive this past summer and has also spent two summers at
the American Ballet Theatre Intensive. She has participated in the International Youth America
Grand Prix and won several scholarships for dance over the past few years. Keira has been
dancing since she was 2 1/2 and plans to continue dancing in a college dance program while
continuing to grow as a choreographer and dance instructor. Keira is very thankful for the
opportunity to dance with IBC, for the time she has to dance with her brother Kai, and for the
support of her two loving parents.
Rachel Horner grew up in Waconia, Minnesota where she studied ballet, jazz and modern dance
at a local studio called the Waconia Performing Arts Center. She went on to a small private
college in Minnesota where she studied modern dance participating in various performances for
her school. In Minneapolis, Rachel also participated in an extensive internship with Zenon
Dance Studio in the summer of 2010. She explored many different types of dance and performed
in the Minneapolis Fringe Festival with John Munger. She also performed with an up-and-coming
modern dance company called the 18th Avenue Dance Project with a good friend, Jolene Konkel.
Rachel moved to Bakersfield in the late spring of 2011 and she currently teaches a variety of
dance classes here in Bakersfield at Civic Dance Center as well as two other studios. This is her
first season with the company as well as her first time performing in The Nutcracker Ballet. She’
s extremely excited and blessed to be a part of Civic Dance Center and IBC.
at a local studio called the Waconia Performing Arts Center. She went on to a small private
college in Minnesota where she studied modern dance participating in various performances for
her school. In Minneapolis, Rachel also participated in an extensive internship with Zenon
Dance Studio in the summer of 2010. She explored many different types of dance and performed
in the Minneapolis Fringe Festival with John Munger. She also performed with an up-and-coming
modern dance company called the 18th Avenue Dance Project with a good friend, Jolene Konkel.
Rachel moved to Bakersfield in the late spring of 2011 and she currently teaches a variety of
dance classes here in Bakersfield at Civic Dance Center as well as two other studios. This is her
first season with the company as well as her first time performing in The Nutcracker Ballet. She’
s extremely excited and blessed to be a part of Civic Dance Center and IBC.
Chloe Davis is currently a Junior Scholars student at Bakersfield Christian High School. She has
been dancing for 13 years and this is her 8th year training at Civic Dance Center where she
performs in the annual Gala. She has also performed with the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra
in The Nutcracker Ballet, where her past roles include Overture, Chinese Empress Court, and
Gumdrop. This is her second season with Imagine Ballet Company.
been dancing for 13 years and this is her 8th year training at Civic Dance Center where she
performs in the annual Gala. She has also performed with the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra
in The Nutcracker Ballet, where her past roles include Overture, Chinese Empress Court, and
Gumdrop. This is her second season with Imagine Ballet Company.
Ariella Goldstein is a sophomore at Stockdale High School. This is her third year in the
company and she is thrilled to attend Regional Dance America (RDA), in Montreal, Canada. Last
year at RDA, she was awarded a full tuition scholarship for the State Street Ballet summer
intensive in Santa Barbara, CA. It was an experience of a lifetime and she thanks RDA and State
Street Ballet for giving her such a wonderful opportunity. She has been dancing at Civic Dance
Center since she was six, and is proud to say the studio is a second home to her. She has
performed in The Nutcracker for the past three years and is very excited to be a part of this
wonderful tradition again this year. Ariella is also a member of Troupe Civic, a competitive dance
group. She holds a 4.0 GPA, and participates in many clubs. Ariella hopes to attend university
after graduating high school and continue with her dance career.
company and she is thrilled to attend Regional Dance America (RDA), in Montreal, Canada. Last
year at RDA, she was awarded a full tuition scholarship for the State Street Ballet summer
intensive in Santa Barbara, CA. It was an experience of a lifetime and she thanks RDA and State
Street Ballet for giving her such a wonderful opportunity. She has been dancing at Civic Dance
Center since she was six, and is proud to say the studio is a second home to her. She has
performed in The Nutcracker for the past three years and is very excited to be a part of this
wonderful tradition again this year. Ariella is also a member of Troupe Civic, a competitive dance
group. She holds a 4.0 GPA, and participates in many clubs. Ariella hopes to attend university
after graduating high school and continue with her dance career.
Senior Company Apprentices
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Hannah Contois is excited to be in her second season with Imagine Ballet Company. She has
been dancing with Civic Dance Center for 8 years, participating in The Nutcracker and the
performing group, Troupe Civic. Last summer Hannah attended the American Ballet Theatre
summer intensive in Austin, Texas, and she hopes to be a part of another summer program
soon. Hannah also received the “Die Hard Dancer” scholarship at NUVO dance convention.
Roles that Hannah is proud of dancing include being a Spanish Maiden, Windup Doll, and
Mouse in The Nutcracker. Hannah currently attends Centennial High School where she is a
freshman.
been dancing with Civic Dance Center for 8 years, participating in The Nutcracker and the
performing group, Troupe Civic. Last summer Hannah attended the American Ballet Theatre
summer intensive in Austin, Texas, and she hopes to be a part of another summer program
soon. Hannah also received the “Die Hard Dancer” scholarship at NUVO dance convention.
Roles that Hannah is proud of dancing include being a Spanish Maiden, Windup Doll, and
Mouse in The Nutcracker. Hannah currently attends Centennial High School where she is a
freshman.
Amy Cox is a ninth grade GATE student at Liberty High School. Her love of dance began when
she was seven years old, under the teaching of Tara Shearer. She has grown from only taking
ballet, to including Jazz and Modern dance. She has performed in The Nutcracker Ballet for the
past six years. Amy has also enjoyed being a member of Troupe Civic for the past four years.
Ballet is her first love, so she spent five weeks of her summer at Central Pennsylvania Youth
Ballet, studying classic ballet technique. She is thrilled to be in her second year as a member of
Imagine Ballet Company.
she was seven years old, under the teaching of Tara Shearer. She has grown from only taking
ballet, to including Jazz and Modern dance. She has performed in The Nutcracker Ballet for the
past six years. Amy has also enjoyed being a member of Troupe Civic for the past four years.
Ballet is her first love, so she spent five weeks of her summer at Central Pennsylvania Youth
Ballet, studying classic ballet technique. She is thrilled to be in her second year as a member of
Imagine Ballet Company.
Anika Parks When Anika was three years old, she danced at a small studio just for
home-schooled dancers. When her teacher left for college, she began attending Civic Dance
Center. She has never stopped dancing since that first year eleven years ago. She has danced
in The Nutcracker for seven years and this upcoming performance will be her eighth. She has
had the honor of being in the Party Scene twice, once as a boy and once as a girl; among other
roles. This will be her second year with IBC, and she is very honored to have this opportunity.
home-schooled dancers. When her teacher left for college, she began attending Civic Dance
Center. She has never stopped dancing since that first year eleven years ago. She has danced
in The Nutcracker for seven years and this upcoming performance will be her eighth. She has
had the honor of being in the Party Scene twice, once as a boy and once as a girl; among other
roles. This will be her second year with IBC, and she is very honored to have this opportunity.
Samantha Morris has been training at Civic Dance Center since the age of 4. This year will be
her 7th year performing in The Nutcracker. Some of her roles have been Party Guest, Little Clara,
Mint, Chinese Maiden, and Flower. Samantha attended the American Ballet Theatre's summer
intensive in 2011. She is a 7th grade student at Rio Bravo Greeley and has been on the
Principle's List for the past 3 years. She is also involved in student council. This is Samantha's
2nd season with Imagine Ballet Company.
her 7th year performing in The Nutcracker. Some of her roles have been Party Guest, Little Clara,
Mint, Chinese Maiden, and Flower. Samantha attended the American Ballet Theatre's summer
intensive in 2011. She is a 7th grade student at Rio Bravo Greeley and has been on the
Principle's List for the past 3 years. She is also involved in student council. This is Samantha's
2nd season with Imagine Ballet Company.
Jenai Wilcox’s first big performance in dance, at the age of 3, was at the Kern County Fair where
she performed a solo. At the age of 4 she began dancing at the Civic Dance Center, and she
performs in The Nutcracker. Jenai has begun her second year in IBC and her first year in the
Senior Company. She is also beginning her third year in Troupe Civic, and last year she was
awarded scholarships in tap and jazz. Jenai competed in her school science fair and placed 1st,
then moved on to the Kern County Science Fair and placed 2nd. She also plays percussion
(mostly xylophone) in her school band. Jenai hopes to continue dance and music for the rest of
her life.
she performed a solo. At the age of 4 she began dancing at the Civic Dance Center, and she
performs in The Nutcracker. Jenai has begun her second year in IBC and her first year in the
Senior Company. She is also beginning her third year in Troupe Civic, and last year she was
awarded scholarships in tap and jazz. Jenai competed in her school science fair and placed 1st,
then moved on to the Kern County Science Fair and placed 2nd. She also plays percussion
(mostly xylophone) in her school band. Jenai hopes to continue dance and music for the rest of
her life.
Junior Company
imagineballetcompany@yahoo.com Unless otherwise noted, all photos are courtesy of Once Upon a Memory Imagine Ballet Company, 2011 All rights reserved. |
Megan Baytosh is a straight A, fifth grade student at Bimat Elementary School. She trains at Civic Dance Center and
has been dancing since the age of two. Megan has danced in five Nutcrackers in various roles including Candy Cane,
Chinese Princess, and Party Guest Girl. She is a member of Troupe Civic and has received a scholarship from West
Coast Dance Explosion. Megan also enjoys playing soccer and piano.
Jordyn Frapwell has been dancing for about nine years and trains at Civic Dance Center. This is her second year in
IBC, and she has been a guest performer in the spring IBC show for three additional years. She has danced in The
Nutcracker for seven seasons. She enjoys all kinds of dance, including Ballet, Jazz and Modern.
Ashlland Gillam is 11 years old and is in the 5th grade at Ronald Reagan Elementary. She has danced with Civic
Dance Studio since she was three and a half years old. She has performed in four Nutcrackers and eight Gala
performances. This past summer, Ashland had the privilege to further her dance education with Ballet Austin. This is
Ashland's 2nd year with IBC Junior Co. Her goal is to continue to grow in ballet but most of all to have fun and enjoy
the process of dance!
Sydnee Johanesen is 12 years old. She started dancing about 10 years ago and has been studying at Civic for about
eight years. She has also been a member of Troupe Civic for two years. She received a scholarship from “Jump” that
allowed her to attend a week long summer intensive called “Doug and Friends”. She has been in The Nutcracker for
seven years as an overture boy and girl, a soldier, a ginger, an angel, a party scene boy and girl, and a gumdrop. In
school she has received honor roll and principals list. She is excited for her second season in IBC.
Madeline Karnes is 12 years old and a 7th grader at Stockdale Christian School. She has been dancing since age
three and has loved the last six years at Civic! In 2011, her Science Fair Project won at her school, county and state
levels. She received roles as a Gumdrop and Party scene girl in The Nutcracker, the highlight of dancing at Civic! This
year in the IBC Junior Company she is looking forward to sharing her love of dance with our community. After six heart
surgeries from a congenital defect, she wants to show everyone that kids with heart disease can overcome and
DANCE!!!
Crista McClain began her dance training at Civic Dance Center when she was 6 and since then has had the privilege
of dancing in the studio’s production of The Nutcracker six times. She has also been a member of the studio’s jazz
company, Troupe Civic, for two years. Recently, Crista spent two weeks training at the Lauridsen Ballet Centre, home
of South Bay Ballet, in Torrance, California. In addition to dancing, Crista enjoys teaching clarinet lessons at Stockdale
Christian School, where she performs in the Wind Ensemble. She is honored to be a member of Imagine Ballet
Company for a second season and would like to thank Cindy and Kristen for giving her this wonderful opportunity.
Maggie Sepsey is currently in sixth grade. This is her second year with the Junior Company. Maggie trains at Civic
Dance Center. She is a member of Troupe Civic and performs in Civic's annual production of The Nutcracker, where
some of her most recent roles are Candy Cane, Chinese Princess, and Little Clara.
Katarina Treiberg has been taking dance lessons at Civic Dance Center since she was four years old. She loves
ballet and the music that accompanies the art. Though she has always attended Olive Drive Elementary, Katarina is
now being homeschooled for 6th grade. She enjoys reading, playing with her dog Lucy, and spending time with family
and friends. This is her 2nd year with IBC Junior Company.
Kailan Whitaker is a sixth grader who loves dance, singing, soccer, basketball, video games, and reading a great
book! He attends Civic Dance Center for his training where he is also a member of Troupe Civic and performs in the
studio's annual production of The Nutcracker. This past summer he placed 3rd in the WCDE Nationals and appeared
on America’s Got Talent. He has received 3 JUMP VIP, 3 WCDE Elite, 1 Slide, and 1 Nuvo BreakOut award. This is Kai’
s second year as a junior member of Imagine Ballet Company and he’s very grateful for this opportunity to dance!
Kristyn Van Cleave is a 7th grade honor student at Freedom Middle School where she plays french horn and serves
on student council. She began dancing when she was two years old and trains at Civic Dance Center, where she also
serves as a teacher's assistant. She is a member of Troupe Civic, and has performed with Bakersfield Music Theatre.
Kristyn performs annually in The Nutcracker, where she has danced such roles as: Soldier Captain, Ginger, Party
Guest Girl, Chinese Maiden and Candy Cane. She has received scholarships from JUMP and NUVO dance
conventions, and this past summer had the privilege of attending Lauridsen Ballet Centre’s Summer Intensive
Program. This is her 2nd season with the Junior Company.
has been dancing since the age of two. Megan has danced in five Nutcrackers in various roles including Candy Cane,
Chinese Princess, and Party Guest Girl. She is a member of Troupe Civic and has received a scholarship from West
Coast Dance Explosion. Megan also enjoys playing soccer and piano.
Jordyn Frapwell has been dancing for about nine years and trains at Civic Dance Center. This is her second year in
IBC, and she has been a guest performer in the spring IBC show for three additional years. She has danced in The
Nutcracker for seven seasons. She enjoys all kinds of dance, including Ballet, Jazz and Modern.
Ashlland Gillam is 11 years old and is in the 5th grade at Ronald Reagan Elementary. She has danced with Civic
Dance Studio since she was three and a half years old. She has performed in four Nutcrackers and eight Gala
performances. This past summer, Ashland had the privilege to further her dance education with Ballet Austin. This is
Ashland's 2nd year with IBC Junior Co. Her goal is to continue to grow in ballet but most of all to have fun and enjoy
the process of dance!
Sydnee Johanesen is 12 years old. She started dancing about 10 years ago and has been studying at Civic for about
eight years. She has also been a member of Troupe Civic for two years. She received a scholarship from “Jump” that
allowed her to attend a week long summer intensive called “Doug and Friends”. She has been in The Nutcracker for
seven years as an overture boy and girl, a soldier, a ginger, an angel, a party scene boy and girl, and a gumdrop. In
school she has received honor roll and principals list. She is excited for her second season in IBC.
Madeline Karnes is 12 years old and a 7th grader at Stockdale Christian School. She has been dancing since age
three and has loved the last six years at Civic! In 2011, her Science Fair Project won at her school, county and state
levels. She received roles as a Gumdrop and Party scene girl in The Nutcracker, the highlight of dancing at Civic! This
year in the IBC Junior Company she is looking forward to sharing her love of dance with our community. After six heart
surgeries from a congenital defect, she wants to show everyone that kids with heart disease can overcome and
DANCE!!!
Crista McClain began her dance training at Civic Dance Center when she was 6 and since then has had the privilege
of dancing in the studio’s production of The Nutcracker six times. She has also been a member of the studio’s jazz
company, Troupe Civic, for two years. Recently, Crista spent two weeks training at the Lauridsen Ballet Centre, home
of South Bay Ballet, in Torrance, California. In addition to dancing, Crista enjoys teaching clarinet lessons at Stockdale
Christian School, where she performs in the Wind Ensemble. She is honored to be a member of Imagine Ballet
Company for a second season and would like to thank Cindy and Kristen for giving her this wonderful opportunity.
Maggie Sepsey is currently in sixth grade. This is her second year with the Junior Company. Maggie trains at Civic
Dance Center. She is a member of Troupe Civic and performs in Civic's annual production of The Nutcracker, where
some of her most recent roles are Candy Cane, Chinese Princess, and Little Clara.
Katarina Treiberg has been taking dance lessons at Civic Dance Center since she was four years old. She loves
ballet and the music that accompanies the art. Though she has always attended Olive Drive Elementary, Katarina is
now being homeschooled for 6th grade. She enjoys reading, playing with her dog Lucy, and spending time with family
and friends. This is her 2nd year with IBC Junior Company.
Kailan Whitaker is a sixth grader who loves dance, singing, soccer, basketball, video games, and reading a great
book! He attends Civic Dance Center for his training where he is also a member of Troupe Civic and performs in the
studio's annual production of The Nutcracker. This past summer he placed 3rd in the WCDE Nationals and appeared
on America’s Got Talent. He has received 3 JUMP VIP, 3 WCDE Elite, 1 Slide, and 1 Nuvo BreakOut award. This is Kai’
s second year as a junior member of Imagine Ballet Company and he’s very grateful for this opportunity to dance!
Kristyn Van Cleave is a 7th grade honor student at Freedom Middle School where she plays french horn and serves
on student council. She began dancing when she was two years old and trains at Civic Dance Center, where she also
serves as a teacher's assistant. She is a member of Troupe Civic, and has performed with Bakersfield Music Theatre.
Kristyn performs annually in The Nutcracker, where she has danced such roles as: Soldier Captain, Ginger, Party
Guest Girl, Chinese Maiden and Candy Cane. She has received scholarships from JUMP and NUVO dance
conventions, and this past summer had the privilege of attending Lauridsen Ballet Centre’s Summer Intensive
Program. This is her 2nd season with the Junior Company.
Junior Company Apprentices
Chloe Blake began dancing at the age of three at Boehm Ballet Dance Academy in Texas. At the age of eight, her
family moved to California and she began dancing at Civic Dance Center. Chloe enjoys dancing and takes lessons in
the following classes: Ballet, Pointe, Modern, Jazz, and Hip Hop.
Cambryn Both is a fifth grader at Columbia Elementary. She has been training at Civic Dance Center since she was
five. Some of her favorite roles have come while performing in The Nutcracker Ballet, as a Ginger and as an Overture
boy. Cambryn has attended two summer dance intensives at Center Stage Performing Arts Studio in Orem, Utah and
was awarded a scholarship her first year. She looks forward to her first year as an apprentice with the Junior
Company.
Brooke Eknoian attends Endeavour Elementary and is in the 5th grade. She has danced at Civic Dance Center for
the past six years. This is her first year in IBC as a junior apprentice and she is very excited. At Civic Dance Center
she also takes jazz, modern and tap classes. She has danced in The Nutcracker for the past three years as an
angel, ginger, soldier and a party guest boy. When she is not dancing she likes to write stories, paint and play
volleyball.
Lauren Eknoian is in the 5th grade at Endeavour Elementary School. She has been dancing at Civic Dance Center for
six years. This is her first year dancing with IBC as a junior apprentice and she looks forward to the challenge. In the
past three years she has had the privilege of dancing the part of an angel, solider, ginger and a party guest boy in The
Nutcracker. In addition to ballet, she takes jazz, modern, and tap classes. She enjoys all styles of dance equally well.
Besides dancing, she likes to swim competitively and play volleyball.
Sydney Fleming is a 5th grader at Saint Francis Parish School. She is currently training at Civic Dance Center, where
she is a member of the performing company, Troupe Civic. She has danced in the annual performance of The
Nutcracker Ballet in such roles as herald, party scene, ginger, soldier, and angel. She began dance at the age of two,
and has developed a strong passion for it!
Emma Greenberg has been dancing at Civic Dance Center for seven years. In 2010 she was awarded a convention
scholarship at West Coast Dance Explosion. Emma has danced in The Nutcracker Ballet for four years and has been
an overture girl, a party guest, a soldier and a herald. Her achievements include the Presidential Award for Academic
Excellence, the Presidential Award for Physical Fitness, first place at Discovery Elementary’s Science Fair and second
place at the Kern County Science Fair. This is Emma’s first year with Imagine Ballet Company.
Rachel Khan trains at Civic Dance Center. She has been dancing for seven years. Her first teacher was Madame
Delfine in Beauvais, France. She also enjoys working as an assistant teacher with younger dancers. She is currently
a freshman in the Independent Academic Program at Bakersfield Christian High School.
Larissa White attends Buena Vista Elementary School. She is ten years old and in the 5th grade. She has danced at
Civic Dance Center for six years and this is her first year with IBC. She takes jazz and tap classes, in addition to her
three ballet classes, including IBC. This will be her fourth year performing in The Nutcracker, where she has been a
soldier, ginger and angel. Dancing is her favorite thing to do!
family moved to California and she began dancing at Civic Dance Center. Chloe enjoys dancing and takes lessons in
the following classes: Ballet, Pointe, Modern, Jazz, and Hip Hop.
Cambryn Both is a fifth grader at Columbia Elementary. She has been training at Civic Dance Center since she was
five. Some of her favorite roles have come while performing in The Nutcracker Ballet, as a Ginger and as an Overture
boy. Cambryn has attended two summer dance intensives at Center Stage Performing Arts Studio in Orem, Utah and
was awarded a scholarship her first year. She looks forward to her first year as an apprentice with the Junior
Company.
Brooke Eknoian attends Endeavour Elementary and is in the 5th grade. She has danced at Civic Dance Center for
the past six years. This is her first year in IBC as a junior apprentice and she is very excited. At Civic Dance Center
she also takes jazz, modern and tap classes. She has danced in The Nutcracker for the past three years as an
angel, ginger, soldier and a party guest boy. When she is not dancing she likes to write stories, paint and play
volleyball.
Lauren Eknoian is in the 5th grade at Endeavour Elementary School. She has been dancing at Civic Dance Center for
six years. This is her first year dancing with IBC as a junior apprentice and she looks forward to the challenge. In the
past three years she has had the privilege of dancing the part of an angel, solider, ginger and a party guest boy in The
Nutcracker. In addition to ballet, she takes jazz, modern, and tap classes. She enjoys all styles of dance equally well.
Besides dancing, she likes to swim competitively and play volleyball.
Sydney Fleming is a 5th grader at Saint Francis Parish School. She is currently training at Civic Dance Center, where
she is a member of the performing company, Troupe Civic. She has danced in the annual performance of The
Nutcracker Ballet in such roles as herald, party scene, ginger, soldier, and angel. She began dance at the age of two,
and has developed a strong passion for it!
Emma Greenberg has been dancing at Civic Dance Center for seven years. In 2010 she was awarded a convention
scholarship at West Coast Dance Explosion. Emma has danced in The Nutcracker Ballet for four years and has been
an overture girl, a party guest, a soldier and a herald. Her achievements include the Presidential Award for Academic
Excellence, the Presidential Award for Physical Fitness, first place at Discovery Elementary’s Science Fair and second
place at the Kern County Science Fair. This is Emma’s first year with Imagine Ballet Company.
Rachel Khan trains at Civic Dance Center. She has been dancing for seven years. Her first teacher was Madame
Delfine in Beauvais, France. She also enjoys working as an assistant teacher with younger dancers. She is currently
a freshman in the Independent Academic Program at Bakersfield Christian High School.
Larissa White attends Buena Vista Elementary School. She is ten years old and in the 5th grade. She has danced at
Civic Dance Center for six years and this is her first year with IBC. She takes jazz and tap classes, in addition to her
three ballet classes, including IBC. This will be her fourth year performing in The Nutcracker, where she has been a
soldier, ginger and angel. Dancing is her favorite thing to do!
Headshots taken by Kira Morris
Headshots taken by Kira Morris
Headshots taken by Kira Morris
Panda Express Fundraiser
February 22nd and 23rd
Panda Express, Rosedale Hwy
Imagine That!
March 24th, 2pm & 7pm
Dore Theater, CSUB
RDA National Festival
May 1st - 5th
Montreal, Canada
February 22nd and 23rd
Panda Express, Rosedale Hwy
Imagine That!
March 24th, 2pm & 7pm
Dore Theater, CSUB
RDA National Festival
May 1st - 5th
Montreal, Canada