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The following was submitted by Boston Ballet:
Mia Endo, of Winchester, is performing in Boston Ballet’s production of Mikko Nissinen’s “The Nutcracker” in the role of Reindeer.
Endo started dancing ballet when she was 3 years old and has been a student at Boston Ballet School since September.
“The Nutcracker” runs through Dec. 28 at the Citizens Opera House. PNC Bank is the Presenting Sponsor of Mikko Nissinen’s “The Nutcracker.”
Endo is 10 years old and attends fourth grade at Vinson-Owen School in Winchester. Outside of ballet, she enjoys guitar, art, cooking and writing and is a member of the Winchester Swim and Tennis Club swim team, where she swims alongside her younger sister, Ayla.
She has attended the Boston Ballet Nutcracker for years with her family, as an audience member, and is thrilled to take part in the performance this year. It is extra special since her mother performed in the Pennsylvania Ballet Nutcracker when she was in third grade.
This version of the classic tale, created for Boston Ballet in 2012, is one of the largest productions the Company has ever built, engaging craftspeople from across the United States.
Acclaimed, award-winning scenic and costume designer Robert Perdziola's beautiful sketches were transformed into the production’s larger-than-life sets that range from muted, subtle hues in the Act I party scene to vibrant colors in Act II’s Kingdom of the Sweets.
The production also incorporates more than 350 beautifully intricate costumes, designed by Perdziola. Lighting design is by renowned Finnish designer Mikki Kunttu.
The Boston Ballet Orchestra, led by Boston Ballet Music Director Mischa Santora, performs Tchaikovsky’s renowned score.
All children performing in “The Nutcracker” are students of Boston Ballet School and Boston Ballet School’s Professional Division at Walnut Hill School for the Arts. They are trained and coached by artistic leadership including Boston Ballet Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen, Children’s Rehearsal Director Melanie Atkins, and Boston Ballet School’s experienced faculty.
Student auditions were held in September and students began rehearsals in October. Rehearsals continue through November, including rehearsals with Company dancers and costume fittings with Boston Ballet’s Costume Shop.
They will experience the unique, backstage environment at the Citizens Opera House through several technical and dress rehearsals, as well as Boston Ballet Orchestra’s live accompaniment.
Participating in a professional, full-length ballet is a unique educational opportunity for ballet students, providing performance experiences outside the studio classroom. The students dance alongside Boston Ballet’s professional dancers, develop lifelong skills of commitment and focus, while bringing holiday joy to over 100,000 audience members, throughout 45 performances.
Tickets start at $40, including a $11 Citizens Opera House fee that goes directly to the venue. For more information, visit bostonballet.org/nutcracker or call 617-695-6955.
