Los Gatos ballerina helps stage San Jose's 'Nutcracker'

By Jeff Kendall-Weed

for the Los Gatos Weekender
Posted: 12/01/2008 04:21:06 PM PST

It's not unusual for a ballet dancer to get started at a very young age, and Los Gatos' Christine Herrera is no different.

"I was a little kid with tons of energy," Herrera says. "I started dancing at 5 years old. My mom thought, 'Well, I should put her in some type of dance,' so she put me in ballet."

As this year's assistant director for San Jose Dance Theatre's presentation of The Nutcracker, Herrera brings that energy and enthusiasm to bear.

'Nutcracker' returns for Holiday season

By Marianne L. Hamilton

Los Gatos Weekly-Times
Posted: 12/03/2008 04:59:37 PM PST

Along with multiple screenings of "It's a Wonderful Life" on TV, the arrival of the Christmas holidays is synonymous with presentations of "The Nutcracker." For the sixth year running, Los Gatos Ballet and Pilates owner Marcie Ryken is serving as creative director for the beloved ballet, being produced by San Jose Dance Theatre.