For decades, Susan Valencia has been a guiding force for young dancers on Mercer Island. As the founder and artistic director of The Children’s Dance Conservatory or Mercer Island: The Official Ballet School for Island Youth Ballet (IYB), a nonprofit formed in 1998 to sponsor high-quality performance opportunities, she has instilled in her students the values of discipline, poise, and individuality. Through IYB, students not only learn the art of ballet but also gain lifelong skills that transcend the stage.
“There’s a poise that should be nourished and developed as they go through,” Miss Susan explains. She recalls a former student who became a prosecuting attorney, crediting her ballet training for her confidence and presence in the courtroom. “The training enables them to do anything because they have discipline.”
Miss Susan’s approach is built on structure and discipline. In the studio, students remove their jewelry, don the uniform, and focus intently on their craft. “The uniform is discipline,” she says. “It’s really not about the individual, even though it is the individual.” Yet through this structure, her students learn to discover their unique voices. “The more they synchronize with one another, the more their signature of who they are comes up,” she explains.
Isabella Sullivan, a graduating senior who has been part of the IYB family since first grade, describes ballet as a central part of her life. “It’s kind of like, turned into my role to continue to bring the family together with the other people around me in the studio,” she shares. Reflecting on her favorite roles as Snowflake and Cheshire Cat, Isabella says that ballet has been an outlet for expression even on tough days. “Even if I’m having a bad day, I come here and it kind of goes away for a little bit while you’re moving.”
Sean Kern, another graduating senior, calls The Nutcracker her “favorite time of the year” and treasures roles such as Snow Queen and the Arabian Princess. Ballet, she says, has given her invaluable discipline and work ethic. “Ballet has taught me so much discipline over the years. So many times where I never wanted to come but I always did. It really has made me much stronger.”
And now, that time of year has arrived! Island Youth Ballet’s annual performance of Excerpts from the Nutcracker, is just around the corner, and it promises to be a magical event for all. This cherished holiday tradition brings together the hard work, talent, and artistry of IYB’s dancers for a performance filled with wonder, grace, and the spirit of the season. From the delicate Snowflakes to the enchanting Sugar Plum Fairy, each dancer tells a story through movement that captivates audiences of all ages.
This year’s Nutcracker will once again showcase the dedication of students like Isabella and Sean, who have spent years honing their craft under Miss Susan’s guidance. Don’t miss your chance to experience this spectacular production and support the next generation of dancers!
Join us for Excerpts From The Nutcracker:
December 13, 5:30 pm, Red Cast
December 14, 7 pm, Green Cast
December 15, 1 pm, Red Cast
December 15, 5 pm, Green Cast
Mercer Island High School Performing Arts Center (MIHS PAC)
Tickets @ https://tickets.childrensdance.org