2024 Chef, Patty- Dancer Spotlight

The Nutcracker ballet is a wonderful experience that helps you grow as a dancer and as a person. I think the most magical part of Nutcracker is being surrounded by dancers of all ages and levels who are part of the Monterey Peninsula Ballet Theatre and who all come together to put on this wonderful show. It gives me a chance to grow as a dancer and have experiences that I will never forget. It also helps me grow relationships with people who truly care.

My most memorable experience was my first Nutcracker ballet when I was 8 years old. I was a Mini Ballerina Doll and a Mini Arabian. I remember during rehearsals and on-stage watching the Lead Arabian and being so amazed at how wonderful and skilled she was as a dancer. I wanted to be just like her when I got older.

One piece of advice for younger dancers is to not compare yourself to others. That’s not fair to yourself. Instead, be the best dancer you can be. Try to be a little bit better as a dancer every day, and you will improve faster than if you are constantly comparing yourself to others.

This year, I am really looking forward to my first lead ballet role as a Lead Chef, and I am so grateful to my teachers, family, and MPBT for helping make this extraordinary opportunity possible.