In Pursuit of HappinessAn original story ballet by Sheryl-Marie Dunaway
In Pursuit of Happiness is an original ballet, culminating from Mrs. Dunaway's experience as an American, and celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Mrs. Dunaway reflects, “As a teenager, I gleefully experienced the United States bicentennial. Now after another FIFTY YEARS I am excited to present this program. We are all blessed to be born by grace to this country and that is worth celebrating. The historical spectrum [of our nation] is vast. Think of the program as snapshots of the USA over 250 years. [The performance will] concentrate on historical figures, events, locations, American composers, and homage to American choreographers.” |
Quick Info
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Who Will Participate?
Ballet 2, Ballet 3, Ballet 4, Ballet 5, Junior Company, Studio Company, and Supernumeraries (Supernumeraries are chosen from PreBallet, Primary Ballet, Ballet 1 & Ballet 2)
When is the Performance?
Performance Dates: June 5 & 6, 2026
Times: 6:00 p.m. each evening Location: Dodge Performing Arts Center, St. Mary's College |
Seeking Volunteers
We are looking for willing and able parents to volunteer at our performances. There are a multitude of volunteer positions to be filled, including ushers, backstage mom, and ticket scanners. Volunteers receive special early access to ticket sales as a perk of volunteering!
Interested in volunteering?
Cast List
Find your dancer's class from the list below to determine their role in this year's Performance
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Ballet 2:
Tuesday/Thursday - Homestead Act Wednesday/Friday - Amber Waves of Grain Jazz 2: California Girls Ballet 3: 1960s Wildflowers Jazz 3: Armed Forces Contemporary 3: Grand Canyon Special 3: Redwood Forest Ballet 4: Ellis Island Pre/Pointe 4: Spacious Skies Jazz 4: 1950s Poodle Skirts Contemporary 4: Thomas Edison Inventions: Light, Sound & Movies Special 4: Fruited Plains |
Ballet 5: Westward Expansion
Pointe 5: Purple Mountains Jazz 5: Roaring 20s Charleston Contemporary 5: 1960s Moon Landing Special 5: Vision for the Future Jr. Co. Specials: Gulf Stream Waters, Vision for the Future Studio Co. Ballet: Battle Hymn of the Republic Studio Co. Pointe: Stars and Stripes Studio Co. Jazz: 1970s September Studio Co. Contemporary: Shenandoah Valley Studio Co. Specials: Declaration of Independence, American Indians, Kitty Hawk First Flight, Patriots, Vision for the Future Solo Roles: Life, Liberty, Freedom, Happiness, God's Grace on Thee |
Rehearsal Schedule
DATES TBA
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Studio A
TBA
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Studio B
TBA
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Studio C
TBA
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Please be sure to familiarize yourself with your dancer's role, as role titles are typically what is listed on the schedule, along with the time and studio location.
Additional Information
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Performance Handbook
Please read this handbook in it's entirety! Answers to most questions about The Nutcracker performances are in this document. Read it, learn it, know it!
Gifts for Your Dancer
Praise your dancer for their beautiful performance with a small gift! Shop for flower bouquets and Commemorative Memory Books in our online shop!
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Digital Program
In an effort to promote environmental sustainability, Ballet Caliente will now offer a digital program, as well as digital tickets, with the goal of achieving a paper free performance. Please note, if you would prefer a paper version of this program, we kindly ask that you download and print your copy in advance of the performance, or, purchase a Commemorative Memory Book from our merchandise table, located in the lobby.
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Important Performance Information & Requirements
Philosophy on Performing:
A story ballet is a more entertaining way for the audience to experience a performance, rather than watching class after class showcase their routines. Our goal is for audience members to enjoy the whole performance as much as they enjoy watching their own child. Assigning characters and roles helps the children feel a part of something bigger. This creates a bond that allows them to function as a team, or corps de ballet, and ensures everyone’s role is vital to the success of the show!
Class Attendance:
PLEASE make every effort to bring your child to every class. It is difficult to pick up combinations when the rest of
the class already knows the steps. Our performance is a team effort and it is difficult to work on placement when team
members are missing. We are understand if a student must miss class due to illness, but please be aware that should you choose to schedule a makeup, all classes will also be rehearsing their own choreography.
Rehearsals & Class Time:
The performance should be a rewarding experience for your dancer and being confident in their choreography will insure this. Please be prepared for extra rehearsals a few days before the show. Things will be hectic, tight, and require maximum cooperation from everyone. With your help, the performance will prove to be one of the most fulfilling days of your young dancer’s life.
still have plenty of time to practice! Reviewing the steps in their heads after class is very effective in remembering the choreography, and we hope you encourage them to practice a little at home too!
Specials Casting:
Teachers choose dancers that are particularly accomplished, have excellent attendance, and exceptional attitudes for
placement in Specials or extra parts in class dances. Sometimes, dancers are chosen based on a type of dancing style, ability to perform certain difficult steps with flair, or because their physical stature fits a specific part necessary for the story. Typically, these dancers have studied for several years. Rehearsals are numerous and mandatory.
A story ballet is a more entertaining way for the audience to experience a performance, rather than watching class after class showcase their routines. Our goal is for audience members to enjoy the whole performance as much as they enjoy watching their own child. Assigning characters and roles helps the children feel a part of something bigger. This creates a bond that allows them to function as a team, or corps de ballet, and ensures everyone’s role is vital to the success of the show!
Class Attendance:
PLEASE make every effort to bring your child to every class. It is difficult to pick up combinations when the rest of
the class already knows the steps. Our performance is a team effort and it is difficult to work on placement when team
members are missing. We are understand if a student must miss class due to illness, but please be aware that should you choose to schedule a makeup, all classes will also be rehearsing their own choreography.
Rehearsals & Class Time:
The performance should be a rewarding experience for your dancer and being confident in their choreography will insure this. Please be prepared for extra rehearsals a few days before the show. Things will be hectic, tight, and require maximum cooperation from everyone. With your help, the performance will prove to be one of the most fulfilling days of your young dancer’s life.
- Students must be on time for all classes and additional rehearsals.
- Requests for an excused absence must be submitted via email or in writing.
still have plenty of time to practice! Reviewing the steps in their heads after class is very effective in remembering the choreography, and we hope you encourage them to practice a little at home too!
Specials Casting:
Teachers choose dancers that are particularly accomplished, have excellent attendance, and exceptional attitudes for
placement in Specials or extra parts in class dances. Sometimes, dancers are chosen based on a type of dancing style, ability to perform certain difficult steps with flair, or because their physical stature fits a specific part necessary for the story. Typically, these dancers have studied for several years. Rehearsals are numerous and mandatory.
Supernumeraries
What is a Supernumerary? Known as “supers,” extra dancers of the ballet world that enhance and create a believable scene. These dancers are chosen from our students participating in the May Recital. They will enjoy extra stage time participating in the “big show” and delight in the aspect of appearing with the advanced dancers.
Who is chosen to participate? Dancers are chosen based on a number of factors including the following: dance ability, maturity, as well as ability to follow instruction and remain focused. As a school, our students are studying a performance art; this is an excellent opportunity for our younger dancers to experience “stage time”.
What is the rehearsal commitment? Acceptance of this role involves rehearsal commitment from dancers and parents.
All rehearsals, including choreography, blocking, and dress are MANDATORY with the only exception being an emergency or illness, when notified IN ADVANCE of the rehearsal. Our Supers are young dancers learning to work together. Any absence is detrimental to the group; therefore, not allowed and will result in removal from the part with no refund.
Learn more on our Supernumeraries page!
Who is chosen to participate? Dancers are chosen based on a number of factors including the following: dance ability, maturity, as well as ability to follow instruction and remain focused. As a school, our students are studying a performance art; this is an excellent opportunity for our younger dancers to experience “stage time”.
What is the rehearsal commitment? Acceptance of this role involves rehearsal commitment from dancers and parents.
All rehearsals, including choreography, blocking, and dress are MANDATORY with the only exception being an emergency or illness, when notified IN ADVANCE of the rehearsal. Our Supers are young dancers learning to work together. Any absence is detrimental to the group; therefore, not allowed and will result in removal from the part with no refund.
Learn more on our Supernumeraries page!