Monterey County Dance Theatre

08/11/2026

08/05/2026

Congratulations to the dancers of the 2026 Monterey County Dance Theatre Summer Intensive! After three inspiring weeks of daily classes, focused training, and artistic growth, dancers from Salinas, Soledad, Greenfield, King City, Lockwood, and Paso Robles took the stage on Sunday. What a beautiful celebration of growth, dedication, and artistry!

The program culminated in the long-awaited announcement of upcoming leads in the 2026 Nutcracker Ballet. Clara- Celeste Guillen of Soledad. Her parents are Robert and Yadira Guillen of Soledad. Fritz-Madeline Maxwell. Her parents are Tim and Denise Maxwell of King City. The Sugar Plum Fairy and Her Cavalier are Sara Godinez and Zeke Brown of King City and Lockwood. Sara just finished up a 5-week summer intensive with ABT in New York. Sara is the daughter of Diego and Betsy Godinez. Zeke just finished up his summer intensive with Ballet West in Utah. Zeke is the son of Tom and Mitzi Brown of Lockwood. We are proud of every dancer and grateful for amazing community support. Photography of Clara and Fritz by Monterey County Dance Foundation- Ginny Guidotti. Sugar Plum and Cavalier by Serrano Photography.