This year, for the first time, Doffo Winery is a proud sponsor of the Academy of Ballet Arts and their production of The Nutcracker. Doffo Events Coordinator, Samantha Doffo, shares with us her strong connection to the arts and the many ways that you can show your support this holiday season.
Ballet has always had a special place in my heart. It started early when as a preschooler I performed in my first ever dance recital. The recording of that recital, done by my father, Marcelo Doffo, on a VHS tape, is still available for select viewings.
My love of the arts began early. As children our father was a big supporter of the arts in Orange County. He took us to the symphony, the theater, the opera, and of course the ballet. The first time we all got to see The Nutcracker was actually in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico. We had accompanied our father for a weekend of hunting. I remember being in awe of how beautiful the dancers were and enjoying the story. Going to see The Nutcracker is a holiday tradition that I carry on with my own children.
We are so excited to support the Academy of Ballet Arts this holiday season! As part of our efforts to help raise money, we have created a special edition bottle of Doffo wine with the beautiful Mira Larsen featured on the label. Mira’s hard work and dedication landed her an offer with the Royal Ballet in London. As the only American to receive this honor — and a Temecula Valley local! — we are very proud of her and wish her the best.
The Academy of Ballet Arts is an amazing school that provides scholarships for the arts so that young boys and girls can have the opportunity to live their dreams. As a family winery, we are living our father’s dream and are humbled to support their mission. A portion of proceeds from each special edition bottle sold will go directly to the Academy’s scholarship fund.
If you’d like to see for yourself what this program is all about, the Academy is hosting an open rehearsal on December 2nd from 6:00-8:00pm. There will be hors d’oeuvres and our special edition wine available for purchase.
You can also show your support by attending one of the Academy’s performances of The Nutcracker, scheduled for December 16th and 17th at the Temecula Valley High School theater. Tickets for the shows are now available on the Academy’s website, and can also be purchased in the Doffo Tasting Room.
Here’s to a wonderful holiday season and to creating memories with loved ones!
Salute!
Samantha Doffo
About the ABA
“ABA” or Academy of Ballet Arts, opened it’s doors in 2011, after realizing a need for a high level ballet academy in the Inland Empire. ABA provides complete professional training for aspiring dancers and provides all the elements a dancer will need to become a professional in this highly competitive dance form. In addition to excellent training, ABA also provides professional level performances, community outreach, and scholarship opportunities for our dancers, families, and local communities. We provide the highest caliber training from the beginning student to the professional, while developing confidence and self esteem in a caring, supportive environment. We believe in teaching our students that if they have passion, discipline, and self-motivation they will be able to be successful in any career they choose to pursue. We believe that training the mind is essential to effective training of the body. We believe that experiencing the performing arts is a vital element in the development and education of our children. Learn more at www.academyofballetart.org.
-Mr. Jose Chavez and Miss Dana Nelson, Directors
About Mira Larsen
Mira trained at ABA since the age of 11 years old. Mira is a beautiful dancer who has received scholarships at several major ballet school around the world. Mira currently is training at the Royal Ballet school in London after being selected for training at the Youth America Grand Prix ballet competition finals in New York. Mira has received the Gold Medal at the Vienna International Ballet Experience. Mira has also received 1st place at the YAGP ballet competition and was Top 12 at the YAGP finals in New York. She was selected for training at San Francisco Ballet on full scholarship and was invited to join Ballet West as a trainee. Mira decided to finish her training at the Royal Ballet school. Mira has performed the roles of Sugar Plum Fairy, Alice in Alice in Wonderland, and Hippolyta in a Midsummer Night’s Dream among many others. Keep your eyes open for Mira as she begins her professional career next season!
