Creve Coeur Dancer Has Starring Role In Annual COCA Production

The 2012-2013 COCA Family Theatre Series presents three performances of its holiday tradition, The Little Dancer, December 7-9. The Little Dancer tells the tale of Degas’ famous statuette, who comes to life and finds herself in various scenes depicted in works of art.

This year, the title character discovers three-dimensional art and explores this form by dancing among the pieces with choreography inspired by the artwork itself. Hundreds of colorful costumes and a clear storyline make this production a wonderful introduction to dance and visual art for children and their families.

This hour-long story ballet features students from the greater St. Louis area. This year’s lead role of the Little Dancer will be performed by Mariana Jurado of Creve Coeur, a junior at Visitation Academy.

COCA faculty members Kathleen Radke and Josh Routh play the ballet teacher and the artist, respectively.

The Little Dancer: 3D! is performed by COCA’s student ballet company Ballet Eclectica and choreographed by COCA’s Director of Dance Amy Scheers, along with guest choreographers Darrell Grand Moultrie, Christine O’Neal, Christine Kardell and Shannon Lee West. The production is underwritten by Mary Strauss.

COCA will offer Tutu Time Workshops prior to performances at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, and at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8. Children ages 3 and over with a parent or caregiver will create a simple, wearable tutu (no sewing involved).

The Little Dancer Tea will follow the performance at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9.

• WHAT: The Little Dancer: 3D! Performed by COCA’s Ballet Eclectica
• WHERE: Founders’ Theatre at COCA, 524 Trinity Avenue, University City
• WHEN: Friday, Dec. 7 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 8 at 2 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 9 at 1:30 p.m.
• TICKETS: Individual tickets ($14-$18) are currently available at www.cocastl.org or by calling (314) 725- 6555, ext. 130. Tutu Time Workshops and The Little Dancer Tea are $15 each.