JOYCE RUDOLPH
Ricky Sun, 23, earns his livelihood teaching ballroom dancing, but he
said, he continues to dance the ballet more for pleasure.
Some of the honors he has won for ballroom dancing are first place
in the B Group Chinese Cup Latin Ballroom Dance in 2002 at Star Dance
in Los Angeles and first place in the A Group Latin Dance in the 1999
China Hoipai State Dancing Society Competition.
The Glendale Community College student makes the transition Sunday
when he debuts with the Media City Ballet's production of "The
Nutcracker" at The Alex Theatre in Glendale. He'll play the
Nutcracker Prince.
Born in Beijing, Sun began studying ballet at 4 with the Beijing
Dancing Academy. Until now, he has never danced with a professional
ballet company.
"I love classical ballet, so much. This is why I never gave up
ballet. I take ballet classes everywhere," he said.
He is grateful to Natasha Middleton, artistic director, for giving
him the opportunity to dance the lead role.
She has been patient, he said, helping Sun make the transition. It
hasn't been easy. Dancing the ballroom style, he said, one must twist
the body at the hip and push the body weight downward.
"But in ballet, you have to concentrate on keeping your feet and
legs turned out and the body has to be perfectly straight," he said.
Sun doesn't see himself becoming a professional ballet dancer,
but, he said, ballet is a good base for all dances -- ballroom,
hip-hop, jazz and modern dance.
"I'm going to keep doing it until I die," he said.
Show times are 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday. Tickets range from $18 to $32
and can be reserved by calling 243-2539. The Alex is at 216 N. Brand
Blvd., Glendale.
SPECIAL EVENTS
'THE MESSIAH' PRESENTED AT HOLY FAMILY
"The Messiah" by G.F. Handel will be presented by the combined
choirs of Holy Family Catholic Church accompanied by a string
ensemble at 3 p.m. Sunday.
The annual Christmas concert is directed by Christian Marcoe, a
member of the Los Angeles Master Chorale.
The Holy Family Children's Choirs will also perform "Around the
World It's Christmas," singing Christmas music in four languages and
presenting a taste of the Spanish, French, English, Polish and
Filipino traditions. Tickets are $10, $5 for students and free for
children younger than 6.
The church is at 220 E. Elk Ave., Glendale. For more information,
call 421-8858.
'CEREMONY OF CAROLS' PERFORMED
Benjamin Britten's "Ceremony of Carols," celebrating the birth of
Christ, will be presented in a Christmas concert at 7 p.m. Sunday at
