Detroit Dances c Homemade Soups & Salads • Coney Specials O Greek Specialties Children's director rehearses local performers for their "Nutcracker" roles. OOmelettes SUZANNE CHESSLER • Homemade Sandwiches Special to the Jewish News udith Molina brings lots of local color to the Cincinnati Ballet's performances of The NUtcracker. She is children's rehearsal director for 84 young dancers auditioned and chosen from aspiring stars across the state as part of the company's outreach program. Molina, director of the Institute of Music and Dance at Marygrove College, works closely with Jo Ann Cusmanos, a studied dancer now dean of continuing education and community services at Marygrove. A newly renovated dance studio on the Detroit campus provides practice space, where the children are divided in two groups to rotate appearances. All have had stage experience. "We learn the choreography and then teach it to the children," says Molina, 50, of Troy, who helped Cincinnati staff select dancers as part of the audition process and uses videotapes to refresh her memory. "We rehearse every Saturday and Sunday for about 10 weeks so that all the young performers will show professional quality" The junior dancers, whose ages range from 7 to 18, include a repre- sentation from those who danced The Nutcracker last year. Although many talented children from past performances tried out again this season, a number of them had to be excluded because they grew too big for the available costumes. Casting was based on how well a youngster could do demonstrated steps, retain routines and perform all that was shown. "Although this ballet has elements of Christmas, its appeal is more uni- versal than that," Molina says. "It's about the spirit of all the holidays that come at this time of year, and it's appropriate for all children because the story is about young people and the production has dif- ferent dance elements, beautiful music and a feel-good impact." Preparing young Nutcracker dancers to work with professionals has been a continuing commitment -7 Daily Lunch & Dinner Specials e...fee,st .eacation4 vad IT Birmingham Livonia Livonia Laurel Park Mall (37622 6 Mile Rd.) Millennium Park (Middlebelt & 1-96) Bloomfield Twp. 6527 Telegraph Rd. Canton 1735 Canton Center Rd. Ann Arbor 1235 S. University at Marygrove. The Detroit Symphony Orchestra used to produce the ballet with Dance Detroit, long known for its association with the college. After the symphony decided to discontin- ue the program, the Michigan Opera Theatre took on its own pres- entation initiative, contracted with the Cincinnati Ballet and kept chil- dren's preparations at Marygrove. "I think it's important for the community to have local children perform in these productions of The Nutcracker," Molina says. "This experience provides a great introduc- tion to ballet, with a smorgasbord of dance styles and emotions, from happy to scary. It's also easier for the company to have us work with the young people here." Molina studied dance at the High School of Performing Arts in New York City, where she grew up. She went on to train with the Cincinnati Ballet and returned to New York to work with Merce Cunningham, the New York City Opera and the Chamber Dance Ensemble. The move to Michigan came in 1976, after her former husband, bassist Stephen Molina, was hired by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. The couple's three children — Claire, Lauren and David — were 9845 Telegraph Rd. 30985 Orchard Lake Rd. (between 13 & 14 Mile Rd.) 154 S. Woodward Ave. Judith Molina: "This experience provides a great introduction to ballet, with a smorgasbord of dance styles and emotions. Taylor Farmington Hills Detroit Comerica Park Stadium West Bloomfield 4763 Haggerty Rd. (Pontiac Trail & Haggerty Rd.) 15131 Sheldon Rd. (Sheldon at 5 Mile Rd.) Pontiac 15647 W. 9 Mile at Greenfield Rd. Commerce Commerce & Carrol Lk. Rd. Novi 47830 Grand River Ave. (Grand River & Beck Rd.) Milford Royal Oak Southfield 3999 Center Point Parkway Dearborn Heights 26540 Ford Rd. (The Heights Plaza) Farmington Hills 37580 W. 12. Mile Rd. (Halstead Village) 512 N. Main Main Street Downtown Royal Oak Royal Oak 13 Mile Rd. & Woodward Ave. Northwood Plaza Hercules Family Restaurant 33292 W. 12. Mile Rd. • Farmington Hills % TOTAL BILL 1 OFF With This Coupon Expires 12/31/03. Not good with any other offers. THE ORIGINAL 1 .. 40-7/ RES-TAkJRANT VOTED BEST GREEK RESTAURANT BY METRO DETROIT! • PRIVATE PARTIES FOR 55 IN OUR DINING ROOM • PARTY TRAYS • ALL MENU ITEMS AVAILABLE FOR CARRY OUT • CREEK & AMERICAN CUISINE y OFF TOTAL ° FOOD BILL • CHEF'S SPECIALS DAILY • FULL BAR Expires 12/31/03. 1 coupon per table. Not good with any other offers. DETROIT DANCES on page 88 12/ 5 2003 4301 Orchard Lake Road • West Bloomfield • Crosswinds Plaza 248-538-6000 FAX: 248-538-0932 F3 2 87