Spinning off from the ‘Nutcracker’

Another “toy story” will be coming to Laguna Beach.

The Danse Conservatory and Youth Ballet Theatre of Southern California will perform “The Enchanted Toy Shoppe” at the Forum Theatre of the Festival of Arts from Dec. 5 to 7.

A prequel to the familiar and classic tale of the “Nutcracker,” the ballet was written and choreographed by Melissa Allen Bowman, a professional ballerina and founder of the Danse Conservatory and its Youth Ballet Company.

Bowman said the story line was inspired by her love of the “Nutcracker,” as well her desire to do something less traditional.

“There are so many Nutcrackers out there, so I wanted to do something a bit different,” she said. “I also change the show up a bit year-to-year.

“This is a really cool holiday story for the whole family. Everyone will enjoy it and walk away with a bit of a glow.”

“Enchanted Toy Shoppe” tells the story of a doll named Charlotte, who is separated from her soul mate, The Nutcracker, by a prankster Elf in Santa’s workshop. The two were created as a dancing pair, so without her counterpart, Charlotte is too sad to dance or move.

Santa’s head elf brings Charlotte to Mr. Beaufort, the village toy maker, in hopes he can repair her. While she sits on the shelf, the other dolls try to cheer her, but the lovesick Charlotte remains lifeless.

It isn’t until she is befriended by a young girl named Mimolette that Charlotte experiences the kindness and warmth that enables her to dance once again.

Sasha Habash 18, a fifth-year dancer at the Conservatory who will perform in this show for the third consecutive year, said she simply loves the story.

“I think the original choreography contributes to the artistic legacy that Laguna holds, and it’s a great show for the entire family to enjoy,” she said.

Kylie Duggan, 15, who will also dance in the production for the third time, said in addition to the uniqueness of the story, she likes that Bowman has her dancers switch characters in each show.

“Changing roles is good because it stretches our memory and ability, and really helps us to push ourselves,” she said. “It’s also fun to do something different every night.”

Bowman said the Conservatory, which she established five years ago, brings a level of professionalism that distinguishes it from other ballet schools in the area.

“I am trying to give all dancers a professional experience,” she said. “We really work with them one-on-one and provide the attention they need to develop.”

Bowman’s love for ballet developed as a small child, and would eventually lead her to train with world-renowned dancers, including Mikhail Baryshnikov of the American Ballet Theatre.

She’s spent many years traveling and performing throughout Europe, and has worked at various ballet schools, including her own.

In 2007, she was named Artistic Director of American Ballet Theatre’s Summer Intensives, and has also been an adjudicator for the National Foundation for the Advancement in the Arts for the past two years.

A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales to the ballet will benefit juvenile diabetes.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: “The Enchanted Toy Shoppe”

WHO: Danse Conservatory and Youth Ballet Theatre

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Dec 5; 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 6; 2 p.m. Dec 7.

WHERE: Forum Theatre, Festival of Arts, 650 Laguna Canyon Road.

INFORMATION: Tickets are $18 at the door. Visit www.danse conservatory.com for information.