Cadre of volunteer costumers prepare for Classical Ballet Academy Holiday shows

See what goes into making the stunningly professional costumes used by this outer East Portland ballet school in their shows, coming up this week …

Performances of Classical Ballet Academy are supported by a large group of volunteer costumers — like Rebecca Rendon, who here fluffs a tutu.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

A month before their December Holiday performances, the Classical Ballet Academy (CBA) in the Creston-Kenilworth neighborhood was abuzz with activity. Its dance studios were filled with performers, all rehearsing for their upcoming productions of The Nutcracker downtown – a Holiday staple.

In addition to the many “dance parents”, who support their kids’ Terpsichorean dreams by taking them to numerous rehearsals, are a largely unnoticed collective of volunteer costumers, who tirelessly work behind the scenes at CBA.

Dozens of costuming volunteers provide a professional look to their shows by making and maintaining the scores of outfits. Here, Lead Costumer Michelle Simmons looks through some of the costumes to be worn in their Holiday productions.

“We have an amazing staff of about 60 volunteers, not a professional staff,” CBA Lead Costumer Michelle Simmons remarked. “All of the costuming for our productions is done by volunteer parents, grandparents, and the student dancers themselves.

“In addition to parents who have professional sewing experience, we’re also supported by those without sewing ability who are steaming and ironing the costumes. Some do know how to make costume repairs; but parents may just scrub off lipstick and do spot cleaning of costumes.”

CBA Costuming Department Headpiece Manager Jennifer Martin fits a “wiglet” to student performer Faye.

Here, at left, considering a hat which may become part of a costume for The Nutcracker production, it’s CBA Founder and Director Sarah Rigles.

In all, the costuming team prepares more than 1,000 costumes that will be worn by their 600 dancers during their annual productions of The Nutcracker, The Children’s Nutcracker, Sweet Suite, and Contemporary Winter Showcase performances in downtown Portland.

Costumer Cathy Ono checks the fit of a costume on student dancer Lane Harris.

Asked why she got involved in doing costuming for the CBA, Simmons replied, “It’s the ‘magic of Miss Sarah!” (Sarah Rigles is founder and director of CBA).

“In addition to being a world-class ballet instructor, another thing she does really well is finding people – and putting them into positions that bring out their natural talents – and then, supporting them in that role,” Simmons observed.

For tickets to any of their shows between December 17 and 22, staged at the Lincoln Performance Hall at Portland State University, CLICK HERE.

For more information about Classical Ballet Academy, see their website: CLICK HERE.

On our Front Page: CBA costumer Cathy Ono fits a ballet costume to her daughter, Issa Ono, a student at Grant High School.

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