Nutcracker wouldn’t be Nutcracker without the local Children’s cast! Dancing along side the full professional Russian cast are local Pasadena children from The Classical Ballet Academy. The Classical Ballet Academy (CBA), founded in 1990 by Crystal Peterson, is the premier high caliber training facility in the area focusing exclusively on ballet. It is ocated in Altadena at the borders of La Canada and Pasadena, just minutes from JPL. The curriculum emphasizes the classical ballet technique based upon the Russian tradition of training called the Vaganova Method. Students at CBA are invited to perform in school productions of original and classic ballets, lecture-demonstrations, school concerts, workshop exhibits including student choreography, informal studio showings and other special engagements. Select students are invited to participate in the Youth American Grand Prix and other prestigious ballet competitions.
Students of CBA have been invited to attend prestigious schools world-wide including the Bolshoi Ballet, Kirov Ballet, the School of American Ballet, American Ballet Theater, Royal Ballet, Bejart Ballet, Joffrey New York & Chicago, The Rock School, Alvin Ailey Ballet, San Diego Ballet, Ballet Chicago, Miami City Ballet, Gelsey Kirkland Academy, and Alonzo Kings Lines. Alumni and Students of CBA learn not only ballet, but life skills which gives them and an added edge in reaching their academic goals. Steady reinforcement of work ethics including: working to full potential, being prepared, responsible, supportive and working well with others, be a thinker and a leader while understanding sound nutrition and time management skills.
