KING CITY — Dreams can come true, just ask 11-year-old Quinn Lynn Villanueva of King City, who was selected from many talented students at Monterey County Dance Theatre to dance as “Clara” in “The Nutcracker Ballet” this weekend.
Clara is the ballet’s heroine who teaches everyone that true love is limitless in what it can accomplish. And, what they dream can come true if they work for it. It has for Villanueva, who has dreamed like many young ladies studying dance to be awarded this role.
“I can’t believe it,” Villanueva said, with big tears in her eyes when she received the news.
She will be joined by a cast of more than 125 dancers and actors for the 58th anniversary production of “The Nutcracker Ballet,” taking place Friday and Saturday, Dec. 8 and 9, at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee Sunday, Dec. 10, at 2 p.m., at the Robert Stanton Theatre at King City High School.
The ballet is an iconic South County treasure that started here in 1959. It is one of the oldest “Nutcracker Ballets” produced in the United States, a testament to this south Monterey County community. Thousands of dance students have participated in the production, tens of thousands have watched the ballet since 1959.
Villanueva, daughter of Mark and Andrea Villanueva of King City, is a third-generation student of dance participating in “The Nutcracker.” She said she is ready to shine as the ballet takes to the stage this weekend.
“Come share the magic of ‘Nutcracker’ — where dreams of young dancers studying here do come true,” said Artistic Director Janette Harkness.
Monterey County Dance Foundation and Monterey County Dance Theatre jointly produce the 58th anniversary production of “The Nutcracker Ballet.” Tickets are available at the door or may be purchased in advance at Lynn’s Too, 1137 Broadway St., in King City.
