Local rancher is plum ready for principal role in Yellowstone Ballet’s Nutcracker
Ballerina rancher Annie Valle will dance the coveted role of the Sugarplum Fairy in Yellowstone Ballet Company’s 29th annual presentation of The Nutcracker. The performance is set for 4pm on Saturday, December 21st at Bozeman’s Willson Auditorium.
Annie (Anne Mercy Morabito) started dancing at age 6 in Santa Cruz. Her talent was quickly recognized and she received scholarships to some of the most prestigious schools in the nation including the Pacific Northwest Ballet, San Francisco Ballet and School of American Ballet in New York City. She also danced with Suzanne Farrell at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
Annie currently dances and choreographs for the Raison D’être Dance Project, Yellowstone Ballet Company and School of Classical Ballet in Billings. She also directs the Martinsdale Ballet, a free dance school and performance group. Annie has a degree in Agroecology from the University of Wyoming. Besides dancing, she loves ranching with her husband’s family, their children and an assortment of dogs, horses, cows and chickens.
Joining Ms. Valle is Domenico Lorenzio who will perform the role of the Nutcracker Prince/Cavalier Mr. Luciano graduated from Royal Teatro di San Carlo Ballet School in Naples. That same year, he joined the Deutsche Opera am Rhein in Dusseldorf, Germany. After dancing with several companies in Europe including Europadance in France, Maggio Danza in Florence, and Teatro Dell’Opera in Rome, Mr. Lorenzio joined Tulsa Ballet where he was named “Best Dancer” by the Houston Press. He joined the Colorado Ballet in 2010 and quickly rose to the position of principal dancer. His repertoire includes classical leading roles along with works by notable contemporary choreographers. His awards include the Best Male Dancer of the Year award in Positano, Italy in 2003 and the “Young Talent Award” in Florence, Italy at DANZAINFIERA in 2010.
Reese Daily of Bozeman Dance Academy will perform the role of Clara, the girl who breaks the spell that encased the Prince in the form of a nutcracker. Other featured performers include Raison D’être Dance Project in the Waltz of the Flowers and Snow Scene.
To encourage families to attend YBC’s The Nutcracker, every adult ticket purchase qualifies for a FREE child ticket. Children can also come dressed as the Snow Queen, the Nutcracker Prince, the Sugar Plum Fairy or any other Nutcracker character. During intermission there will be a costume contest. Prizes for best costume will be presented along with a free gift for every child in attendance.
YBC’s family friendly production of The Nutcracker has delighted thousands with seventy performances throughout Montana since 1991. All ages will enjoy the magical and colorful characters and enchanting story.
Reserved tickets for YBC’s The Nutcracker are available at Eckroth Music and www.yellowstoneballet.info. A service fee of $2 will be added to tickets sold at the door.
For more information or group rates, call (406) 223-0430 or email yellowstoneballet@gmail.com. •