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About US
The Story
In 2013, Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker received a United States Patent and Trademark Click here to view official Trademark Document.
Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker is an adaptation of E.T.A. Hoffman’s classical Nutcracker Ballet.
We invite you to take a journey with Clare, a young African-American girl embarks on a magical Christmas journey in the retelling of E.T.A. Hoffman’s classical Nutcracker ballet. Set against a backdrop of 19th-century brownstones and modern high-rises in Harlem, New York, Clare’s journey begins with the family traditional holiday party. Following the family holiday party, Clare returns to the parlor to embrace her Chocolate Nutcracker gift she received from her Aunt Pearl. She falls asleep and her enchanting dream takes her on a magical journey around the world and to enchanting lands with the Chocolate Nutcracker, who is transformed into a handsome Chocolate Nutcracker Prince, and the Sugar Plum Fairy. The scenes are filled with the pageantry of dazzling costumes and exciting dance moves performed in a wide variety of dance genres reflecting Africa, Asia, the Caribbean India, Spain and many other lands.
Orlando Community Arts
Orlando Community Arts, Inc. (OCA) is a 501 c 3 organization with a mission to give Arts access to the underserved communities. Since its inception, Orlando Community Arts, Inc., has maintained an unwavering commitment to presenting a memorable and magical production, Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker.
This holiday production recaptures the rich pageantry of traditions and flair that epitomizes culture and diversity. Through the years, Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker, has cultivated a strong and loyal following of families, business associates and community leaders.
Orlando Community Arts, Inc., is community at its best as children and youth continue the tradition of performing on stage while engaging with local and national artists. Artists who have performed in Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker include Savion Glover, Choreographer, Tony Award winner; Jasmine Guy, Actress; and Vickie Winans, American Gospel Recording Artist.
Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker is described as Soulful, Bold, Colorful, Exciting, Lively and Delightful! A holiday treat for the entire family.
our staff
Beverly Page
President & CEO, Orlando Community Arts
Published Author
Entreprenuer
Educator
Beverly Page is the President & CEO of Orlando Community Arts, Inc. She is a 1978 graduate of South Carolina State University. She earned a Bachelor Degree (B.A.) in Drama/minor in Speech Communication. She has a Master’s Degree (M.A.) in Education and post-graduate credentials in Educational Leadership/Supervision from Winthrop University. Beverly has post graduate credentials from Furman University in Theater Directing. Her professional credits are in Production Management, Stage Management, Playwriting, Costume Management, and Fundraising. Recognizing the need for diversity and inclusion in the Nutcracker, she wrote the book, Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker.
In 2013 Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker, received a United States Patent and Trademark. She has further extended her artistic talents in designing the Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker doll and wooden Chocolate Nutcrackers which are now available on Walmart.com and Etsy.com. Beverly is described by her peers as an Outstanding leader, entrepreneur, innovative, very professional, committed with a profound sense of purpose. She is listed as an Outstanding Woman of America and has received numerous community recognition for her commitment to the Arts.
Production staff
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Josann Battle
Associate Production Manager
Born into a family of Broadway performers, including three-time Tony Award-winning choreographer Hinton Battle, Josan Battle's fate was predetermined to a career as a dancer, choreographer, and Executive Producer. Ms. Battle honed her skills over 28 years of studying dance and teaching in Germany, France, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Florida as a principal dancer with the Center for Contemporary Dance. She also gained extensive experience with her own dance company, "Xplosive Dance and Entertainment," touring Germany and France. Ms. Battle's career took a technical turn as she became a creative and executive producer for live broadcasts and music videos with Microsoft, HIMSS, The National Association of Realtors, and Thomas McClary of the Commodores name a few.
"My childhood found me in the dance classes, rehearsals, and backstages of world-renowned, legendary performers and performances that captivated audiences. I was amazed at what the human body was capable of," she recalls. You will find Ms. Battle as a featured performer in many music videos, commercials, tv series, and movies. "Becoming a dance teacher and performer was a natural progression for me," Ms. Battle states. She utilizes all of her experiences to create fun, dynamic performances that focus on the pure joy that comes from movement.
T'KeA Le GRANDE
Artistic Director
Founder/ Director, Avalon Dance Company
T’Kea Le Grande is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania .Lovingly called “Miss T’ by her students. Miss T is the Owner of Avalon Dance and Author of the children's book" I can Dance Too".
She was trained and influenced by the premier leadership of the Philadanco Dance Company as well as Debbie Apalucci the then choreographer of the Philadelphia 76ers Dance Team.
T'Kea Le Grande is trained in Limon, Graham , and Horton techniques and while in college was influenced by the teachings of companies such as Limon and Ailey II. T’Kea promoted the art of dance through a variety of marketing campaigns to include TV commercials, radio, and billboards throughout Central Florida.
T'Kea launched her own Dance Company AVALON DANCE COMPANY while raising her two lovely daughters. As the Owner, Operator and Artistic Director of Avalon Dance T’Kea has trained and mentored numerous students, some have gone on to major in dance at college and her students have participated in an extensive number of regional and national dance conventions and competitions. T’Kea’ believes one moment on a dance floor can make a dancer and change a life!
Nastasshi Lewis
Community Director/Choreographer, The Believe Dance Academy
Actress "Aunt Pearl"
Nastasshi Lewis born and raised in Orlando, Florida is the founder of The Believe Dance Academy. Her mission as the founder of this academy is to build self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-love. The academy has given young girls the opportunity to perform for Magic Johnson, and they were the first featured dance academy to partnered with star 94.5 for the MLK Parade and featured in the “Never Too Much” music video for CeCe Teneal.
Nastasshi Lewis has led at Central Florida YMCA, Boys & Girls Club, Private Instructure, Cheerleader Director for the Central Florida Lions and more… As a community leader she serves and thrives for teaching the youth about the entertainment industry and uplifting women to embrace the best version of themselves.
Africa Choreographer
Brittany Dennis
Brittany Dennis also known as Tejumade Temidayo is a well known dancer all over Orlando. She started dancing at the age of 8, at the Orlando School Of Cultural Dance where she fell in love with the style African Dance. She’s also trained at and performed with many other dance companies like Orlando school of cultural Dance, Orlando Ballet now known as Southern Ballet ,Ajose Afrikan, and Tam Tam Congo just to name a few. She was one of the main dancers in Disney’s Animal Kingdom street band known as Burudika from 2016-2019. She is now a performer with Sea World Orlando where she is still living out her dream as a character/dance performer.
Destinee Jimenez
Stage Manager
Destinee Jimenez is a third-year BFA dance student at The Juilliard School. The Cuban-Brazilian dancer, who was born in Miami, started dancing at Ballet Etudes of South Florida when she was 5 years old. The Sugar Plum Fairy from The Nutcracker, Princess Aurora from The Sleeping Beauty, and Kitri from Don Quixote are a few of her most well-known performances. Jimenez earned a degree in dance from New World School of the Arts (NWSA) in 2021. Her stage management experience includes the Ballet Etudes Summer Showcase in 2021–2023 as well as the Student Choreography Showcase at NWSA in 2019. Jimenez has plans to join professional dance companies, tour new repertoire, teach, and choreograph.
Engerlin Mendez
Flamenco Choreographer
Engerlin Méndez from Venezuela has over 21 years of teaching experience in flamenco and hip hop in Venezuela, Spain, Israel and Miami. She has won several awards for her profound choreography throughout the world. She produced more than 24 shows of her own with her dance studio EVOLUTION DANCE in Venezuela, and is currently in Orlando creating her community of dancers, under a special learning method with a new project at Avalon Dance.
João Pedro Mascarenhas
Visual Artist
I am a digital artist specializing in scenery, backgrounds, themes, and world building. My style can vary from realistic to animated with bold use of colors and atmosphere. I’ve been drawing ever since I was a kid and there is nothing I enjoy doing more than this.
Jawuan Hill is a BFA Acting Major presently attending The Juilliard School. In addition to attending Duke Ellington School for the Arts from 2017 to 2018, Hill graduated from the Charles J. Colgan Senior High School in the theater program in 2021.
Hill completed his theater studies at the British American Drama Academy in London, England, and began stage managing with Colgan Studios and the Hilton Performing Arts Center during his high school career. At the Hilton Performing Arts Center, Juwuan recently finished directing the play Akeelah and the Bee, marking his directorial debut. His Stage Management credits read as follows: Trifles; Curse You Jack Dalton; A Raisin in the Sun; Bedfellows; Black Nativity and Les Miserables.
Stage Manager
JAWUAN HILL
THe DEvyani Dancers
Bollywood Choreography by Priya Persaud
The Devyani School of Cultural Arts focuses on Bharatnatyam, Bollywood and Indian folk dances. The Devyani Dancers have shared their joy of dance with the Central Florida Community for the last 14 years under the leadership of Priya Persaud.
Opened in 2009, the dance school's primary focus is promoting Indian culture and acceptance through the art of dance.
Yvonne
Loggins-coleman
Ambassador
Yvonne Loggins-Coleman is President of LCB International-The Consulting Group specializing strategic banking solutions. She was formerly a Senior Banking Executive and has over 30 years’ experience in the financial services industry. Yvonne is also recognized as one of the most well known, part-time Radio Personalities in Jazz and for events. She was appointed by the Florida Supreme Court to the Florida Board of Bar Examiners, and is now serves as an active emeritus member. Yvonne serves on other boards, is active in the community, has received numerous awards and is honored to be an Ambassador for Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker.