Four Mancos students had their five minutes of fame over the weekend when the took part in the holiday ballet "The Nutcracker," performed in Durango by the State Street Ballet of Santa Barbara.
Seven-year-old Chauncey Charley had been dancing for just over a month when she learned in October that she'd be in the ballet. Since then, it has been practice, practice, practice.
"These girls have worked so hard, said Semberlyn Crossly, owner of the Mancos studio Dance, Renew, Thrive.
Charley danced the role of a mouse in the classic Christmas ballet.
Also in the ballet were: 10-year-old Mylee Sena, 9-year-old Micah Black and 10-year-old Nicolette Charley, who all danced as soldiers.
Instructor Francesca Bianchi, who teaches ballet and other dance styles to the students, also was in the play. She performed as an angel in the opening as Act II just before the "Princess Dance."
The production has become a traditional holiday show at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, and many locals were seen at the Sunday matinee.
Kristine Bianchi was grateful to the Community Concert Hall for gifting parents of their dancers tickets so they can see their budding dancers perform.
The performance was breathtaking, according to some who attended. The snow Scene stood out. Snow King and Snow Queen, danced by professional dancers Deise Mendonca and Jack Stewart.
And just when you didn't think it could get more beautiful, it started to snow on stage.