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Christmas Pine Tree

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.

our staff

Complete bios are available on the desktop version of this website
 

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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 with 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 with post graduate credentials from Furman University in Theater Directing.

Production staff

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Josan Battle

Associate Production Manager

Josan Battle is a dancer, choreographer, and executive producer. Ms. Battle honed her skills over 28 years of studying dance and teaching around the world as a principal dancer with the Center for Contemporary Dance. She also gained extensive experience with her own dance company, "Xplosive Dance and Entertainment,". She later 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 among others.

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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 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’ 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, where she danced with the Orlando School Of Cultural Dance, the Orlando School of Cultural Dance, the Southern Ballet, Ajose Afrikan, and Tam Tam Congo. She was one of the main dancers in Disney’s Animal Kingdom street band known as Burudika from 2016-2019 and she is now a performer with Sea World Orlando where she is living her dream as a character/dance performer.

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Alice Costa Teixeira

Brazil Choreographer

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ANDREA PHILLIPS

Choreographer 

Andrea Phillips is the founder and artistic director of AAP Dance where she exercises her passion for movement and ministry. She has choreographed and performed across various platforms, ranging from Walt Disney World, to Tye Tribbett and TBN. 

 

Known for her commitment to excellence and leadership, Andrea directs the dance program at a local middle school, where she has built a thriving program and coaches both girls’ and boys’ track teams, securing a championship win for the girls track team.

BIANCA OLIVEIRA

Choreographer & Stage Manager

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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.   

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JANISE FOWLER

Choreographer

Over the last 15 years, Janise Fowler has been a member of a Performing Company, a teacher and Associate Artistic Director, and 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.

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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.

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Jawuan Hill is a BFA Acting Major presently attending The Juilliard School. Juwuan recently directed the play Akeelah and the Bee, marking his directorial debut. His Stage Management credits Include: Trifles; Curse You Jack Dalton; A Raisin in the Sun; Bedfellows; Black Nativity and Les Miserables. 

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Stage Manager

JAWUAN HILL

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Kalinda

Puerto Rican choreography by 

Escuela de Bomba y Plena Tata

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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. 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.  She coaches gymnastics and choreographs floor and other dance routines.

Priya Persaud

Choreographer

Priya began dancing at the age of 5. During her years as a dancer, she trained in Odissi with the Chitralekha Dance Academy and Bharatanaytam with the Sampradaya Dance Academy in Canada. Over the past 25 years, Priya has performed for many different temple events, weddings, parties and multicultural events in Canada, United States and Guyana.

In 2009 she founded the Devyani School of Cultural Arts. As a dance instructor and choreographer, she strives to make sure her students feel confident and comfortable in class and on stage. She loves to see her dancers succeed!

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Shatonya Bryant

Choreographer

Shatonya Bryant is a dance educator at Maxey Elementary Visual and Performing Arts Magnet in the Orange County Public School System. She recently performed as an ensemble member in the Broadway production of "Dreamgirls" and was recognized with an A+ Teacher Award by Channel 13 News in 2023. Shatonya finds joy in introducing dance to students new to the art form and believes that dance is a profound way to express one’s soul.

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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. 

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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.  

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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, has received numerous awards and is honored to be an Ambassador for Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker.

Michael Pagan- Technical Director 
Jessiah Rammling- Technical / Sound Director
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