Entertainment

Twenty-three students from Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District (CFISD) are set to take the stage in Celebration of Dance 2025, presented by the Houston Repertoire Ballet (HRB). This highly anticipated event will feature Storybook Fantasy, a ballet bringing classic literary characters to life, along with two world-premiere contemporary pieces, Gray Matter and a new en pointe performance accompanied by a live string quartet.

Among the standout performers, Langham Creek High School senior Chantal Noble Hernandez will portray “Maria,” while Bridgeland High School sophomore Mallory Burkhart will take on the role of “Cinderella” in Storybook Fantasy. Both dancers will also showcase their artistry in Paquita, the grand finale of the performance, sharing the stage with guest artists Yuriko Kajiya and Connor Walsh, both renowned dancers from Houston Ballet.

The Celebration of Dance 2025 performances are scheduled for April 6 at 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the CFISD Visual & Performing Arts Center, located at 11420 Matzke Road, Cypress, TX 77429. Ballet enthusiasts and supporters can purchase tickets by visiting the Visual & Performing Arts Center website.

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A Legacy of Excellence in Ballet Training

HRB, a pre-professional ballet company, is celebrating 29 years of cultivating young talent under the leadership of esteemed teachers and choreographers Victoria Vittum and Gilbert Rome. With a mission to provide rigorous training for dedicated dancers, HRB has launched many of its graduates into prestigious ballet companies, including the New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Miami City Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, and Houston Ballet.

Local Students Take Center Stage

The CFISD students participating in this year’s Celebration of Dance reflect the district’s vibrant arts community and the dedication of young dancers pursuing excellence in ballet. The following students will perform in the production:

• Griffin deAlejandro, Birkes Elementary School

• Willow deAlejandro, Cypress Falls High School

• Rebeca Rosas, Sprague Middle School

• Emma Burkhart, Sprague Middle School

• Mallory Burkhart, Bridgeland High School

• Nichole Pullman, Bridgeland High School

• Gabrielle Arrey, Aragon Middle School

• Angela Grace Huang, Cypress Woods High School

• Chantal Noble Hernandez, Langham Creek High School

• Madelyn Crozier, Cypress Ranch High School

• Lauren Freeman, Cypress Ranch High School

• Cassandra Douthitt, Cypress Woods High School

• Charlotte Crook, Goodson Middle School

• Annalise Howard, Salyards Middle School

• Lily Marshall, Cypress Creek High School

• Emma Mangold, Cy-Fair High School

• Maddie Nguyen, Cy-Fair High School

• Gricel Cabrera Hernandez, Hamilton Middle School

• London Boyce, Aragon Middle School

• Sara Alarcon, Anthony Middle School

• Liliana Cuestas, Kahla Middle School

• Melody Greene, Cook Middle School

• Savanna Flores, Rowe Middle School

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With a lineup of exceptional young dancers, Celebration of Dance 2025 is poised to be a mesmerizing event showcasing the dedication, artistry, and passion of CFISD’s finest ballet talent. Audience members can expect an unforgettable experience as these students take the stage alongside world-class performers, continuing HRB’s legacy of excellence in dance.

For more information on the performance and ticket availability, visit the CFISD Visual & Performing Arts Center website.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.