Last Modified: 06/15/2002

News for December 2001

• A critically acclaimed performance at the Fremont Symphony.
On Dec. 1st and 2nd, our students performed the "Nutcracker Suite" brilliantly for the Fremont Symphony's Annual Holiday Concert. Here's an excerpt from Sarah Bobson's review of the Symphony's concert in the Dec. 4th edition of the ANG Newspapers:

    The "Nutcracker," whether staged as the full-length ballet or its abbreviated "suite" version, is presented every year somewhere to the point of overkill, yet, paradoxically, it stole the show Saturday night.
    This was primarily because of the extraordinary performance of dancers from Yoko's Dance and Performing Arts Academy in Fremont and to the orchestra's lively rendition led by Music Director David Sloss.     The 65-piece orchestra occupied most of the stage at the Smith Center for the Fine and Performing Arts at Ohlone College, leaving only a thin strip in front for the dancers.
    But under the brilliant choreography of Yoko Young, the dance company's founder and director, the dancers streamed across the stage and weaved in and out of patterns, making maximum use of the space available to them.
    Ranging in age from 5 to 17, the engaging dancers performed numbers from the ballet's second act, which takes place inside a huge candy box.
    Dressed in exquisite, sometimes fanciful costumes as creatures of the magical kingdom, they kept pirouettes, jumps and leg extensions to a minimum, yet managed to create the illusion and maintain the magic.
    All danced with grace, charm, and absolute precision.
    The younger children dressed as Christmas presents and gray mice, captured the hearts, while the older children and teen-agers, made up as Russian, Arabian, and Chinese dancers, toy soldiers and flowers, performed with consummate skill."
    We are so proud of all who danced in the show. Once again, our students have shown their amazing level of talent!

• Dance Spirit Magazine recognition...Again!
Check out the January issue of Dance Spirit Magazine (page 114) to see our picture at KAR!