Experience the magic of The Nutcracker

Licking County tradition continues with many new and exciting elements

Newark, Ohio (November 12, 2011) - The 2011 Central Ohio Youth Ballet’s "The Nutcracker" has entered its final stages of preparation. This week, the troupe will begin technical "put togethers" - whereby Bob Cole, artistic director, Erika Twining, assistant artistic director and their team will put the entire performance together, start to finish, looking at each segment with a critical eye for artistic and technical quality. Performed at The Midland Theater on Thanksgiving weekend, November 25-27, the role of Clara this year will be performed by Mt. Vernon youth Taryn Benson and Granville youth Ava Hamstead.  The role of the Prince is being performed by Newark youth Timmy Hayes.  Tickets are now on sale through the Midland website (www.MidlandTheater.org) or by calling 740.345.LIVE).

Nearly 100 youth dancers from studios across Licking, Knox, Fairfield, Muskingham, Perry and Coshocton counties have been rehearsing for this holiday tradition since the first week in September. This year’s performance boasts new choreography, new staging, new talent and new costumes. Additionally, this year’s performance of The Nutcracker is proud of the fact that lead roles are being filled by 100% local youth dancers.

An annual tradition in Licking county since 1994, The Nutcracker is artistically directed by Bob Cole and assisted by Erika Twining. It brings together talented student dancers from nearly a dozen studios throughout six counties, including The Ballet Academy, Joan Garrett Dance Arts, Patty’s Dance Studio, Carole Dance School, Dance Works, Denison Dance Department, Infusion Dance, Miss Alyssa’s School of Dance, Pinnell Dance Centre, Reinita’s Baton & Dance, Richard Earlye Dance Studio and Susan’s Tap n Toe. Early in his career, Cole danced for five years with The National Ballet of Canada and trained at California’s Riverside Ballet Arts, The Joffrey Ballet School and at The National Ballet School. His students have received scholarships to The National Ballet School, The Julliard School, Virginia School of the Arts, The Harold Conservatory, Interlochen Arts Academy and many more.

For additional information visit COYB at www.COYBallet.org.  For questions related to COYB and its programs, please contact us!  For media inquiries, contact:  Sue Reninger, Media Coordinator for the program at 614.204.8086 or via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

About the Central Ohio Youth Ballet
The COYB, a 501C3 nonprofit organization, has established itself as a successful training ground for talented dancers. Their mission is to provide professional-quality performance opportunities to all area dancers and quality performances to central Ohio audiences. The generous support of area donors ensures that the COYB’s performances and outreach programs continue to grow and flourish.

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