PERFORMING IN PASCAGOULA.

The year 2000 marks the 23rd annual production of "The Nutcracker" performed by the Melange Dance Company. This timeless Christmas ballet, a Jackson County tradition, is directed by Mrs. Jo Ann Christopher, owner and director of the Studio of Dance and Gymnastics in Pascagoula. The Melange Dance Company was founded solely by Mrs. Christopher to give aspiring dancers an intense study of dance and the opportunity to perform. Mrs. Christopher, who began taking dance lessons when she was eight, has studied under master teachers in San Francisco, New Orleans, and Chicago. She is the director and choreographer for the nationally televised America's Junior Miss Program held annually in Mobile, Alabama, and was also the dance coach and chroeographer for the nationally ranked Louisiana State University Women's Gymnastic Team from 1983-1989.

Mrs. Christopher takes great pride in the accomplishments of her students. Some of her former students have toured with professional stage productions of Cats, A Chorus Line, and Showboat. The 2000 production of "The Nutcracker" will include many exciting changes in scenery, costuming, and choreography. Melange proudly welcomes Paulo Manso de Souse, as he joins this year's production. As a choreographer, Paulo has created works for companies such as Juegos Des Arte where he collaborated with flautist Nestor Tortes. He directed and choreographed the Diffa Gala at the Jackie Gleason Theatre and has worked with Fernando Bujones. With the addition of his inspiring talent, we gladly invite you to join Melange Dance Company in their 2000 Nutcracker tradition on December 8th, 9th, and 10th at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in Gautier, Mississippi.