The story of a baby ballerina

Janell Cobian has danced since she was 3 years old. She will be featured in “The Nutcracker,” playing the Downey Theatre next month, Dec. 21-22.

Nearly 11 years ago, a big grinning, toothy three-year-old budding ballerina stepped into her first ballet class at the Southern California Dance Academy in Long Beach.

While never shy to dance away with some fairy wings, a magic tiara, and wand, little Janell Cobian stayed on the mellow side while her peers excitedly participated in weekly “Nutcracker” rehearsals. Soon, however, Janell caught the dancing bug herself and diligently came to the ballet classes that her teacher and academy director, Paula Vreulink, prescribed for her.

At the same time, her mom Janet signed Janell up for the show and soon Janell performed in her first “Nutcracker” role as a Mother Ginger BonBon. That same year, she made her stage dancing debut while swooping out from underneath the huge dress that her stage mom, Mother Ginger, so proudly has donned since 1995.

Over the course of the years, Janell continued her training and danced in performances with the Southern California Dance Theatre. Janell climbed up through the “Nutcracker” role ranks and performed as a soldier in the battle scene, Snow Angel and as a party guest. Once on pointe, Janell performed in several corps de ballet roles among them the magical snow scene and the melodic Waltz of the Flowers. Last year, all of Janell’s hard work paid off as she was featured in the prominent Clara role.

Janell as Mother Ginger at age 3.

This year, all grown up and a freshman at Cabrillo High School in Long Beach, Janell has competed in the prestigious Youth America Grand Prix and California Dance Classics competitions.

Janell sums up her dedication to the performing arts as follows: “I love to dance because it is an amazing art form and it will always be fun during all the hard work.”

And hard work it has been. Along with dancing in the Snow Corps de Ballet this year, Janell will be featured as the Spanish Lead Dancer on Saturday, December 21 at 7:30 pm and the Mirlton Lead Dancer, a whimsical dance in Act 2 serving up some delicious pastry on Sunday, December 22 at 2:30 pm.

“Janell’s strong technique makes her very competent to perform in both these leading roles” stated Ms. Paula, adding that it gives her much pride and joy to see little budding ballerinas such as Janell grow up to perform in these prominent roles.

This December, the Southern California Dance Theatre invites you to join Janell and the entire “Nutcracker” cast as they relive the tale of Clara dancing with mischievous rodents, pristine snowflakes, and the elegant Sugar Plum Fairy. Celebrate the spirit of the season as Clara takes a fragrant trip around a delectable world with her magical Nutcracker Prince.

This family-friendly story is the perfect annual holiday tradition to start with your family so order your tickets today.

For ticket information, call the Downey Theatre box office at (562) 861-8211 or visit downeytheatre.org