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 the 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.
Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker is described as Soulful, Bold, Colorful, Exciting, Lively and Delightful! A holiday treat for the entire family.
Orlando Community Arts, Inc. (OCA) and Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker have been recognized for their contribution to the region's tourism. We thank Visit Orlando for their support.
our staff
Beverly Page
President & CEO, Orlando Community Arts
Published Author
Entrepreneur
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.
Production staff
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Josan 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.
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!
Brittany Dennis
Production Assistant; Choreographer; Dancer
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.
Alice Costa Teixeira
Brazil Choreographer
Choreographer & Stage Manager
Bianca Oliveira
Bianca Oliveira was born and raised in Brazil, where she grew up studying, performing and competing in various dance styles. When she moved to the United States at the age of 17, she began her career as a teacher, choreographer, performer, and stage manager at Rhythm Dance Orlando which led her to work with other entertainment companies such as Spirit of Samba, Sea World, and Universal Studios.
Miss Bianca's performance and teaching style carries a lot of her national culture and female empowerment! Her main goal is to bring art and entertainment to people everywhere, hoping it touches their hearts and changes their lives as it has changed hers.
Jackelle Camille
Parent Coordinator & Costume Manager
Jackelle Camille is a Haitian - American Brooklyn native and 25 years old. She attended Florida A&M University and trained in production and costume management, with plans to branch out into event planning in the near future.
Janise Fowler
Choreographer
Over the last 15 years, Janise Fowler has been a member of a performing company, a teacher and an associate artistic director, and she has danced for various companies and teams. Her choreography has earned her numerous awards at both local and national levels from prestigious dance competitions such as NYCDA, Bella Moxi, 24/7 and JUMP. She currently serves as the praise dance coordinator at her church.
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
Kalinda
Puerto Rican Bomba choreography by
Escuela de Bomba y Plena Tata
MIA Pacitto
Choreographer
Mia Pacitto is originally from London, England. Mia’s performing career of over 20+ years spanned the globe, where she took lead singing and acting roles with Disney, Vee Corporation's Sesame Street Live, FELD Entertainment's Disney Live & Celebrity Cruise Lines. She also performed in shows and parades for the major Florida theme parks.
Today, she proudly celebrates her 7th year with Riverside Theatre of Vero Beach, where she runs performance camps, private lessons, and choreography for Riverside Theatre Youth productions. Her vast exposure to cultures and styles around the world, her professional dance career, and being a parent to an ‘industry’ kid has allowed her to show students a well-rounded perspective on movement. She is excited to present her daughter's talents in this year's performance of Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker.
MiCHALA MAGEE
Choreographer
Michala Magee is a recent graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's in Sports and Media Journalism, and a minor in Sociology of Social Justice and Policy. While on campus she was a member of UF's gymnastics team for four years, and founded UF’s Black Student-Athlete Council where she served as Vice President and President for two years.
A gymnast for 19 years, she is most passionate about helping young people excel in a creative space, which she does as she coaches gymnastics and choreographs floor and other dance routines.
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.
TSENGEE BYAMBADORJ
Contortion Coach
Tsengee Byambadorj was born and raised in Ulaanbaatar Mongolia. At the age of 9, she was selected for the Mongolian National Circus contortion program and trained with world famous contortionist, coach Norovsambuu Begzsuren. In 1995, she moved to Germany where she continued to perform and create solo, duo, trio and group contortion acts.
After a 20 year career in Europe and Asia, Tsengee moved to the United States in 2006 where she worked with Cirque Le Maske, and performed and coached with Pendulum Ariel Arts. Tsengee officially retired performing 2013 and dedicated her 26 years of performing experience and 14 years of coaching experience into developing young and seasoned professionals.
Y.E.S.S.
Choreography for the Land of China performed by Y.E.S.S.
Y.E.S.S. (Youth Enrichment and Senior Services) provides resources and information on various activities and events on culture, health, youth, and seniors. Y.E.S.S. is committed to building bridges between the Asian and American communities and the diverse communities of the Orlando area. 2024 marks the third year that Y.E.S.S. is a part of the production.
Yvonne
Loggins-coleman
Ambassador
Yvonne Loggins-Coleman is recognized as one of the most well known, part-time Radio Personalities in Jazz and for events. She serves on several boards, is active in the community, has received numerous awards and is honored to be an Ambassador for Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker.