The Mid-Columbia Ballet (MCB) is a nonprofit corporation, whose mission is to foster and advance the art of ballet in its various forms in the Mid-Columbia region. MCB is managed by a Board of Directors and the MCB Guild is responsible for managing volunteers and many fundraising activities.

The MCB consists of young dancers committed to the art of ballet. MCB’s repertoire includes classical, neoclassical, and modern works by choreographers from throughout the United States. MCB has been granted performance rights to several Balanchine works by the George Balanchine Trust and was the first pre-professional group to perform a work by Twyla Tharp.

MCB has performed at Chop Shop: Bodies of Work in Seattle, USA/International Ballet Competition, in Austria at the Tanzsommer Austrian Arts Festival and at SPRING TO DANCE in St. Louis, Missouri. MCB has hosted Regional Dance America/Pacific Festivals four times, each time bringing to the Tri-Cities over twenty amateur and professional ballet companies, internationally known dance teachers and lecturers, and university recruiters for the 4-day convention.

MCB has also grown to be a valuable community resource. MCB received the 2020 STAR award from the City of Richland for pivoting The Nutcracker to a free movie, Clara’s Tri-Cities Nutcracker Dream that had 14,000 YouTube views and featured over 30 local businesses and locations. In addition, MCB was selected as a grant recipient for Gesa’s Local Heroes program in 2020 and 2021 in recognition of the positive impact our outreach and educational efforts have had in our community. We are very honored to be recognized this way.

As we gather to celebrate another magnificent spring performance, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for our extraordinary ballet community. This season holds special significance as we approach a remarkable milestone in our organization's history—the 50th anniversary of our beloved Nutcracker production later this year.

For five decades, The Nutcracker has enchanted our community, becoming a cherished holiday tradition for countless families. What began as a modest production has blossomed into a cornerstone of our region's cultural landscape, touching the lives of generations of performers and audience members alike. We look forward to honoring this legacy with a spectacular anniversary celebration in November.

At the heart of our enduring success stands an extraordinary individual whose vision, dedication, and artistry have shaped Mid-Columbia Ballet into the prestigious organization it is today—our beloved Debra Rogo. Words cannot adequately express the profound impact Debra has had on dance education in our community. Through decades of masterful teaching, she has not only cultivated exceptional technical skill in her students but has instilled in them the values of discipline, perseverance, and artistic expression.

Debra's unwavering commitment to excellence has transformed countless young dancers, many of whom have gone on to distinguished careers in ballet companies across the nation. Yet perhaps her greatest achievement lies in the thousands of students whose lives have been forever enriched by their time under her guidance, regardless of whatever profession they chose. The confidence, grace, and work ethic they developed in her studio continue to serve them in all aspects of their lives.

As you enjoy today's performance, I invite you to observe the precision and artistry of our dancers—a testament to Debra's extraordinary teaching legacy. Each beautiful movement you witness on stage reflects her meticulous instruction and passionate dedication to her craft.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I extend our deepest gratitude to our dedicated artistic staff, volunteers, donors, and audience members whose support makes our work possible. Together, we will continue to nurture the art of ballet in our community for generations to come.

With appreciation,

Jonathan Dickey

Chair, Board of Directors

Mid-Columbia Ballet

MCB Company Dancers

Armelle Bonneville

Chief Joseph Middle School

Loves to bake, read, hike, listen to music. Hopes to have a career in medicine.

Naomie Bracy

Hanford High School

Loves to read, spend time with familiy and friends. Hopes to be a history professor.

Curran Campbell

Hanford High School

Loves to hang out with friends and travel. Hopes to be a professional dancer.

Addison Chamberlain

Desert Hills Middle School

Loves to walk her dogs. Hopes to be a professional dancer.

Corinna Chu

Chief Joseph Middle School

Loves to read. Hopes to go to medical school.

Emily Croyle

Leona Libby Middle School

Loves to read and draw. Hopes for a career in dance.

Michael Cryan

Richland High School

Loves to cook. Hopes to be a professional ballet dancer.

Brianna Dahl

Richland High School/Homeschooling

Loves to walk the dog and watch movies. Aspires to be a Veterinarian.

Alyssa Ekstrom

Kennewick High School

Loves to hike, cook and bake. Hopes to dance professionally.

Philippe Gonzalez

Hanford High School

Likes to babysit and play the ukelele. Hopes to have a career in contemporary dance.

Caetlyn Kovis

Tri-Cities Prep High School

Loves to read and write and bake. Hopes to study writing in college and open a bakery

Morgan Lowry

Kamiakin High School

Loves to read and watch movies. Hopes for a 1st career to be in ballet, and 2nd in law.

Anniston Martin

Victoria’s Academy of Cosmetology

Loves to read and play piano. Hopes to pursue cosmetology while continuing to teach ballet.

Claire McNeil

Leona Libby Middle School

Loves to read and make hats for Ballet Beanies. Hopes to have a career in nursing or dance.

London Mulholland

Richland High School

Loves to babysit and run. Hopes to pursue a career in dance.

Leah Nguyen

Hanford High School

Loves to play chess and the piano and spend time with family. Hopes to pursue a career in dance.

Salma Oummani

Hanford High School

Likes to spend time w/friends and family. Hopes to pursue a career in dance.

Lily Stout

Hanford High School

Loves to play board games and spend time with friends & family.

Rylie Walters

Ray Reynolds Middle School

Loves to read and draw. Hopes to pursue a career in dance.

Addison Wiser

Kamiakin High School

Loves watching sports, especially football. Hopes to pursue a career in physical therapy/Marketing and continue dancing.

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Intermediate Company

Eleanor Brown, Adrienne Cunanan, Lyra Davis, Claire Phillips Gwenyth Cook, Victoria Render, Elizabeth Flynn, Isla Williams, Liliana Littleton, Hannah Smith

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Junior Company

Tayla Bleazard, Logan Wiser, Vianne Bricker, Claire Debban, Emmaleigh Haugen, Bailey Olsen, Sarah Oh, Reese Mower, Emmett Kirk, Inara Solomon, Marcus Davis, Elizabeth Maldonado, Abigail Stout, Allyssandra Tuura, Cerise Bricker, Marisol Garcia, Hazel Blodgett, Paige Maier, Reilly Murray, Rose Merrill, Elizabeth Chavarria, Charlotte Debban, Maya Upadhyay, Robyn Wade, Natalya Blackburn, Eliza Bosch

MCB Staff

Rebecca Rogo, Allie Yates, Susan Presti, Debra Pearse Rogo, Joshua Burnham, Torrie Mower, Claire Thomas, Lily Wutzke

Artistic Director

Debra Pearse Rogo

Assistant Artistic Director

Joshua Burnham

Administrator

Gaye Wutzke

Junior Company Manager

Torrie Mower

Outreach Coordinator

Susan Presti

INCLUDE Director

Rebecca Rogo

Intermediate Company Manager

Claire Thomas

Social Media  & Wardrobe Supervisor

Allie Yates

Ballet Beanies

Lily Wutzke

Debra Pearse Rogo, Artistic Director

Debra grew up in Melbourne, Australia where she trained in the Cecchetti (Italian) Method of Ballet passing all exams, including her teaching certification, with Honors. She also received teaching and performing opportunities with the National Theatre and Ballet Victoria. After finishing her schooling, she performed with the Sydney City Ballet for three years before moving to the United States where she was the Assistant Director and then Artistic Director of Ballet Omaha, a professional company with its own school. In 1987, Debra and her husband, Joel, moved to Washington State to buy a small ballet school; the Tri-Cities Academy of Ballet. After more than 35 years it is now the Tri-Cities Academy of Ballet and Music and includes a Performing Arts Pre-School.

Debra is currently the Chairman of The Ballet Alliance, and has previously served as Chairman of Regional Dance America, on the Honorary Committee for the USA International Ballet Competition and as Executive Director of Regional Dance America’s Craft of Choreography Conference. Debra has been a guest teacher at many US schools and universities, the National Dance Foundation of Bermuda, the 2013 Australian Cecchetti Conference, the 2014 USA International Cecchetti Conference and the 2016 Cecchetti USA Summer School. In recognition of her work in the Tri-Cities, Ms. Rogo received the City of Richland 2014 Contribution to the Arts Award.

MCB Board of Directors

Guild Representatives

Jen Chamberlain, Molly Williams

Honorary Board Member

Patricia Barker

Former Artistic Director of Royal New Zealand Ballet

Honorary Board Members in Memorium

Curt Colvin, Pam Doctor, Patty Taylor, Wally Weimer

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In Memory of

Pamela Doctor

1944 - 2024

Mid-Columbia Ballet is sad to acknowledge the passing of our longtime friend, supporter, and board member, Pam Doctor. Pam was born in Topeka, Kansas, and after receiving her PhD in Statistics in 1976, moved to the Tri-Cities with her husband Steven. In 1985, Pam joined the board of what was then called the Mid-Columbia Regional Ballet. Two years later, Joel and Debra Rogo arrived in the Tri-Cities and not long after that, Pam expanded her involvement beyond just the board, performing as a “party parent” in the Nutcracker for a number of years. She believed in the power and therapy of the performing arts, and she had a strong passion for ballet in particular. Over the past 4 decades, Pam faithfully served MCB in every board position and was the fundraising chair for 20 years. She played an instrumental role in advancing the organizational aspects of and strengthening the financial status of what is now the Mid-Columbia Ballet. Her excellent management skills, and dedication to MCB have been an invaluable asset in building the thriving organization that we are proud to be today. Pam leaves behind a legacy that humbles us all. We will miss her dearly.

MCB Guild

Guild Officers and Committee Chairs

Chair

Jen Chamberlain

Vice-Chair

Molly Williams

Treasurer

Kris Tuura

Secretary

Alicia Brown

Apparel

Nicole Wiser

Ballet Café

Anita Petra & Dawn Cryan

Flowers

Alayna Bleazard

Mementos

Brandie Bracy,  Travers Bracy,  Melany Bickford

Photos/DVDs

Christina Stout

Poinsettias/Hanging Baskets

Molly Williams & Becky Phillips

Cookies & Water

Delphine Appriou

Raffle

Jen Chamberlain & Katie Croyle

Online Store

Travis Chamberlain

Front of House

Bouchera Oummani & Jen Chamberlain

Greenroom

Shevaun Martin

Makeup

Alicia Brown & Enid Flynn

Security

Sean McNeil

Ushers

Rosie Chu

The mission of the Guild is to support and promote the Mid-Columbia Ballet in their commitment to providing high quality performing arts to our community. The Guild assumes responsibility for organizing volunteers to support MCB productions such as The Nutcracker. Guild funds help MCB with production costs such as theatre rental, costumes, guest artists, and outreach. Volunteers organize a series of various events throughout the year to raise funds for MCB.

The Guild welcomes any new members who wish to ensure that the Tri-Cities will always have an opportunity to enjoy the cultural experiences of ballet. To learn more about the Guild and how to become a member visit our Guild page.

2024-2025 Season Guild Members

Melany & Ryan Bickford

Tatyana & Tye Blackburn

Delphine & Alain Bonneville

William & Marlo Bosch

Travers & Brandie Bracy

Bradley & Talena Bricker

Alicia & Ross Brown

Pamela Campbell

Travis & Jen Chamberlain

Carrie Chapman Blodgett

Albert & Rosey Chu

Andrea Cook

Tim & Katie Croyle

Dawn & Michael Cryan

Dr. Vincent Cunanan

Brett & Stephanie Dahl

Steven & Julie Dai

Amber & Damien Davis

Michelle & David Dearlove

Jeremy & Annie Debban

Erin & Jonathan Dickey

Brett & Shawna Ekstrom

Michelle & Caleb Engler

Rick & Danica Garcia

Rick Graff

Cindy Haugen

Neil & Kriste Henson

Dina Khaniya

Kara Kirk

Daniel & Aimee Kovis

Noelle LeCompte

Michael & Miriam Littleton

Ashley Lowry

Jill Lunde

Kimberly Maldonado

Emily Maldonado

Jason & Shevaun Martin

Sean & Kirsten McNeil

Virginia McNeil

Julia & Matt Merrill

Terri & Harry Miley

Brad & Torrie Mower

Heather Murray

Kay & Loc Nguyen

Jacob & Dava Olsen

Bouchra Oummani

Jennifer Peterson

Anita Petra

Becky Phillips

Susan Presti

Maria & Matt Render

John & Kerrilynn Robinson

Joel & Debra Rogo

Blake & Angie Scherer

Stacey & Angela Smith

Ryan & Christina Stout

Renae Stout

Katherine Torelli

Kristopher & Brianne Tuura

The Wade Family

Ethan & Ashley Walters

Mark & Signe White

Molly & JJ Williams

Matt & Nicole Wiser

Gaye & Michael Wutzke

 

Our 2024-25 Season Supporters

The Mid-Columbia Ballet (MCB) is incorporated in Washington State as a non-profit corporation and is exempt from federal taxes under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. For more information on MCB’s finances, including funding spent on programs, do a charity search at https://ccfs.sos.wa.gov.

Join those mentioned below by giving a gift that will help MCB sustain our efforts to provide artistic excellence in our productions and community outreach programs.

Donate Now

Please patronize the local businesses and other arts groups that support MCB