The Nutcracker Ballet 2023 Performers

Chiara has been dancing at WSPA since the age of 3 training in all disciplines including ballet, contemporary, hip-hop, jazz and tap. She has performed numerous Nutcracker roles such as Clara, Butterfly, Reed flutes, Chinese Lead, Spanish Lead and Snow Lead. In this year’s Nutcracker Chiara is ecstatic to be performing Sugarplum Fairy, a role she has dreamed of since she was a little girl. She’s currently a Freshman at San Mateo High School and participates in their advanced dance program.

Deija started dancing at the age of three and has grown as a dancer and well-rounded human being over the last twelve years at WSPA. Now, at 14, she is honored to perform the role of Sugar Plum Fairy, which she has aspired for since she was a five-year-old Baby Angel in her first Nutcracker. She is also excited to perform her other roles as Chocolate Raspberry Lead and Candy Cane. Aside from Senior Pre-Professional Ballet, Deija also trains in the Contemporary Training Program, Jazz, and APT hip hop programs at WSPA. She is currently a sophomore at St. Ignatius College Preparatory.

Gabriella began dancing in WSPA’s Nutcracker when she was six years old, performing multiple roles: Reed Flutes, Spanish Lead, Butterfly and Chelsea’s friend to name a few. This year, she is honored to perform the Sugar Plum Fairy, Baklava and Chocolate Raspberry. She began competing at the age of nine and received multiple awards at Youth America Grand Prix and California Dance Classics. She has received several scholarships, most recently at the Pacific Northwest Ballet. Gabriella’s goal is to pursue a career in professional ballet and dreams of performing at the Royal Ballet in London.

Daniel Kubr was born and raised in Switzerland. He started his professional ballet training at the Theater Basel in Switzerland. In 2015, he moved to Carlisle, Pennsylvania, to train at the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet under the direction of Marcia Dale Weary. In 2018, Daniel joined the Cincinnati Ballet as a second company member. And starting in 2019 he was a company trainee with Texas Ballet Theater before joining Sacramento Ballet as an apprentice in 2021. He was promoted to the main company this season. Some of his favorite ballets he has performed in include Ghost Light by Penny Saunders, George Balanchine’s Who Cares?, and Gregory Dawson’s Strange Love.

Caydence has been dancing at WSPA since the age of 5. This year, she is excited and grateful to perform in her dream role as Princess Flora and will also be Chelsea, Snow Lead, Chocolate Raspberry Lead, and Candy Cane. She competes in Ballet, Contemporary, and Hip Hop (APT) and has received many awards and recognitions for her outstanding performances. Caydence is a Junior at Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory and is on their dance team.

Kayla is a Senior in high school. She has danced at WSPA since 3 ½ years old, training competitively in Ballet, Jazz, Modern and Contemporary and having earned many awards for her performances. Kayla has performed in the Nutcracker since age 5 and now 17 years old, she is honored to have performed the coveted roles of Sugar Plum Fairy and Princess Flora. Kayla will continue to pursue a career in dance after high school.

Emily began her love for dance at WSPA at the age of 4 and currently participates in multiple programs from Ballet, Contemporary, and Hip Hop. Performing as principal roles Princess Flora and Snow Queen, and lead roles Chocolate Raspberry Lead, Candy Cane, and Snow Lead, Emily is overyjoyed and grateful to be a part of The Nutcracker production. She is the recipient of awards from YAGP, California Dance Classics, and NYCDA. Emily looks forward to her future endeavors in dance as an excelling 8th grade student at Westborough Middle School.

Amianan Daus-Magbual is 15 years old and currently in the 10th grade at Westmoor High School. Their passion for the performing arts shines through their enrollment at the WSPA where they participate in various performance programs, including Musical Theater, Ballet, Contemporary, and Hip Hop. Amianan is thrilled to be Snow Queen, Snow Lead, Butterfly, and Reed Flute in this year’s Nutcracker production sharing the stage with an exceptional cast.

AL Abraham an artist from the Philippines, He is a graduate of Philippine High School for the Arts as a ballet major and holds a diploma in Creative Performing Arts from the University of the Philippines. Abraham was the recipient of the Jury award at the Korea International Modern Dance Competition, the 2014 Manolo Rosado Award and the 2016 2nd prize winner at the CCP Ballet Competition, Wifi body 2016 1st prize winner of Micheal Que’s Negatives to Positives, and Yokohama Dance collection finalist. In his professional career he has danced with Ballet Philippines, Alice Reyes Dance PH, and Springfield Ballet as a soloist. He is currently a Company artist of Oakland Ballet.As a choreographer he has created 1x1x1x5 a thesis production he made with his co-choreographer Mark Robles , Kada-Paningkamot which was featured at the young choreographers showcase and later became a part of the touring repertory with Alice Reyes Dance PH, and one of the choreographers of Tuloy Ang Pasok, a dance film which later became an annual Christmas production of Alice Reyes Dance PH.

Philip started dancing at the age of 10 at Manila Dance Center under the tutelage of Luther Perez, Eddie Elejar, and Tony Fabella. He then went on to a high school full scholarship program as a Ballet Major at the Philippine High School for the Arts and trained under with Victor Ursabia, Nonoy Froilan, Princess Duma, and Ronilo Jaynario. He is a former soloist at Ballet Philippines. A 2-time bronze medalist in both junior (2007) and senior (2010) category at National Music Competition for young Artists (NAMCYA) in Ballet Category at the Cultural Center of the Philippines and joined the First Edition of Boston International Ballet competition (2011).He then joined Les Ballet Eloelle/Les Ballet Grandiva under the direction of Victor Trevino, an International all-male Ballet touring company where the male dancers dance on pointe based in New York City where he toured Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Malaysia. His most recognized performance was when he did the principal dancer role Mr. Mistoffelees in Cats musical on board one of the largest Cruise Ships in the world Oasis of the Seas.

Matthew started dancing at WSPA in 1997; under teachers, Malu Rivera-Peoples and Tina Fargas-Newell. He is an original member of APT and The Company, trained under Pat Cruz and Shaun Evaristo; and was Co-Director of APT and Training Ground. He has taught workshops in New York, Boston, Colorado, Las Vegas, and California. He was on the inaugural team of the Blue Crew and is currently an Assistant Coach for the Golden State Warriors Dance Team.

Tamar is 12, and in 7th grade at Brandeis. She set foot in her first ballet class at WSPA in 1st grade. Tamar is training in the pre-professional and the contemporary programs. She has taken on many roles since her exciting debut as the Mouse Queen’s assistant in her shiny yellow vest. She is very proud to dance the role of Clara. She is also excited to be dancing in Roses, Snowflakes, and Russian maidens.

Elle Manalo Angeles is currently a 4th grader at St. Thomas More School. Having been around dance all her life, she has been formally dancing since the tender age of two and a half at WSPA. Elle not only exemplifies her huge commitment to excellence in classical ballet, but also exhibits her passion for dance and the performing arts through her enrollment in various dance disciplines such as tap, contemporary and even Polynesian dance.  Her dedication to hard work has garnered her various awards including 1st place at CDC, top Overall High-Score soloist at NYCDA at the regional-level as well as being recognized at the national-level as one of the top 25 Outstanding Dancers. Elle is beyond thrilled to perform one of her dream roles as Clara and to have the honor of sharing the stage with such a talented cast, including her mom, dad, and inspiring cousin Kayla Manalo Soto!

Siena has been dancing the moment she could walk. She was 4 years old when she watched her first Nutcracker; now a yearly tradition with mom. Performing Clara's role this year is her biggest honor and dream come true. Siena cemented her love for dance in all genres at WSPA and aspires to pursue a dance career in a big city. When she’s not dancing, Siena has can be seen with her nose buried in adventure novels, slurping boba. She loves to surf, skate, and pirouette.

Kyle is in 8th grade at Sandhill School in Palo Alto. He joined WSPA hip hop program at the age of 4. While waiting to be picked up from his dance class, he’d watch Ms.Tina’s ballet class through the window, he just knew then that's what he wanted to do. With his persistence in auditioning at the age of 7, Ms. Tina gave him a break to be part of the contemporary competition program. His debut Nutcracker performance was in 2016, where he played as one of the Mouse Assistant’s. This year, he’s casted as Spanish lead, Russian lead, Young Nutcracker Prince, Roses, and Mouse King. He is honored and overjoyed to play his dream role...Mouse King. At 13, Kyle's journey as a dancer has only just begun. Thank you to the wonderful Ms. Tina!

Maceo Paras-Mangrobang started dancing in kindergarten and hasn't stopped since! Mace trains in WSPA's Sr. Pre Pro Ballet and Contemporary Training Programs. He appreciates the amazing choreographers and talented new friends. In his 2nd Nutcracker year, he is the Young Prince & Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Lead, Chocolate Raspberry (Spanish) Lead, Roses, Pryaniki (Russian) Lead, and Cadet. Maceo aspires to attend USC or Juilliard.

Alexander is 10 years old and started dancing at WSPA when he was 5. He loves dancing (ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary) and singing. He trains in WSPA's Jr Pre Pro Ballet and Pre Pro Musical Theater Company (MTC) programs. He has performed in the past four Nutcracker productions as well as in the MTC musicals Annie, Singin' in the Rain, and Newsies. He enjoys learning and hanging out with his friends at WSPA. He is excited to be the Nutcracker Young Prince, Pryaniki (Russian), and Fritz's Friend in this year's Nutcracker!

Madison joined WSPA in 2017 and trains in Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, and Hip Hop. She is excited to perform her first lead roles as Baklava, Chinese, and Snow Lead. She enjoys group and solo competition and has received "Honorable Mention" at California Dance Classics and "Outstanding Dancer" at some NYCDA Regional Shows. Outside of dance, Madison loves to read, play the piano, and spend quality time with her family and friends. She is currently a freshman at St. Ignatius College Prepatory High School.

From the first time she stepped on the stage as a baby angel, Alana has loved being a part of WSPA's annual production of The Nutcracker. With every year, she has seen each new role as an opportunity to expand and grow as a dancer. This season, Alana is excited about performing as the Baklava Princess, a Butterfly, the Dancing Doll, and a Snow Lead.

Erica is in 8th grade and is currently attending Stratford Middle School. Erica’s dance journey at WSPA began at the age of 4. Ever since her first Nutcracker as a baby angel, Erica has loved to participate in new roles and perform on stage. This year, Erica is very excited to perform Dancing Doll, Butterfly, and Snow Lead in the Nutcracker production.

Emma has been at WSPA since 2017. She's trained in Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz and Hip Hop, and now also trains in CTP (Contemporary Training Program). Emma has performed in the Nutcracker as Baby Angel, Mouse, Mother Ginger's naughty girl, Clara’s Friend, Toy Soldier, Russian, and Spanish Maiden. This year, she will be a Baklava, Snowflake and Geranium. Emma has never been a Chinese Maiden, but now she can finally be in it, as a Lead!

Ava began her dance journey at WSPA 10 years ago, starting at the age of 3 in 2013, with her first ballet & tap class with Ms. Kira. She comes from a long line of WSPA ballerinas, including her mom, Ashley, and aunties, Amber & Aysia! She is in 8th grade at St. Gabriel School in San Francisco, and trains in the Contemporary Training Program, ballet, jazz, and hip hop. She is excited to perform her first lead role as Chocolate Raspberry Lead. Out of all the roles she has played, some of her favorites are Mouse King Assistant and Clara's Friends. Notably she received 1st Place for her contemporary solo at California Dance Classics in 2023, and is looking forward to the upcoming competition season! When she is not dancing, Ava loves to play basketball and spend time with her sisters and cousins.

Makena began dancing at the age of 3 and has danced in various productions of the Nutcracker since she was 5. She was welcomed into the WSPA community in 2021 where she continues to thrive as a member of the performing company, Contemporary Training Program (CTP), and Hip Hop Apprentice Team (APT) competing at various competitions. She is in her third year as a part of TapIn Youth Dance Ensemble training under the direction of LoRee Kenagy bringing energy and enthusiasm of tap back into the community to evoke social change. Aside from her passion for dance, she excels at Mercy Burlingame as a McAuley Scholar and enjoys traveling and spending time with her loved ones. Makena would like to thank her family, friends and teachers for their constant support, guidance and love throughout the years!