Christopher Pollak
(HERO BOY)
Christopher Pollak ( Hero Boy) is so excited to make his Axelrod debut! Previously seen performing in The Nutcracker, New York City Ballet and Earle Mosley’s Diversity of Dance. He would like to thank all his family, friends, and teachers who have believed in him and helped him along his journey.
Emma Lightbody-McAllan
(HERO GIRL)
Emma Lightbody-McAllan plays one of The Polar Express' HERO GIRLS.
JAKE
WARD
(HERO BOY)
Jake Ward (Hero Boy) is thrilled to be making his Axelrod debut in The Polar Express! Previous credits include The Who's Tommy (Young Tommy), A Christmas Story (Tap Dance Soloist/Classmate), and Peter Pan (Lost Boy). Jake was a 2023 title winner for his jazz solo at the Backstage Nationals dance competition. He is so grateful for this opportunity and would like to thank his family, friends and Dance For Joy for their constant love and encouragement on this exciting journey!
Julia
Westby
(HERO GIRL)
Julia Westby plays one of The Polar Express' HERO GIRLS.
Robert
Taylor Jr.
(THE CONDUCTOR)
Robert Taylor Jr. received a B.A. in Dance with a minor in Musical Theatre from Marymount Manhattan College. He was in the top 16 contestants of So You Think You Can Dance Season 8, Hairspray national tour (2008), CBS Network Rundown at Carnegie Hall for L.L. Cool J (choreographed by Geo Hubela), Sweden's Peace and Love festival with Rihanna (2012), Rihanna's Budweiser commercial (2015), and America's Got Talent (finalist, The Mothmen). Robert made his Broadway debut in SpongeBob SquarePants, Has appeared on "Law and Order: Organized Crime," and “And Just Like That," with his latest television appearance being with Queen Latifah for “The Equalizer” portraying the role of “Young Marlon”.
Oliviannah Cesario
(HERO GIRL)
Oliviannah Cesario is delighted to return to the Axelrod Stage with this amazing cast in The Polar Express! Oliviannah attends Monmouth Beach Elementary School where she is in 7th grade. Recent credits include The Addams Family, Nutcracker Rocks, The Descendants Musical, Sponge-Bob Musical, & Annie Jr.
Our Mission
Axelrod Contemporary Ballet Theater strives to cultivate an environment rooted in diversity, inspiration, encouragement, and equality where all are welcome and heard. Listening and learning is at the heart of our commitments to change policies, attitudes, and habits that do not align with our core values. AXCBT aims to expand creativity and appreciation for the arts throughout New Jersey, inviting patrons, students, and artists to join them on this gratifying endeavor.
Gabriel Chajnik, Founding Director
Our Values
Education
With our two locations in the Monmouth County area, AXCBT aims to inspire our community through a unique performing arts experience. AXCBT welcomes all New Jersey residents to engage with the arts, as they enrich our expanding communities and culture.
Community
With our two locations in the Monmouth County area, AXCBT aims to inspire our community through a unique performing arts experience. AXCBT welcomes all New Jersey residents to engage with the arts, as they enrich our expanding communities and culture.
Inclusion
AXCBT celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all employees and artists are valued and heard. We strongly believe in fostering a accepting, equitable, and respectful environment without regard for race, color, nationality, religion, disability, sex, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
Axelrod Performing Arts Center
Axelrod Contemporary Ballet Theater is a program of the Axelrod Performing Arts Center with performances at the Axelrod PAC located in Deal Park NJ. The Axelrod PAC produces a series of professional theatrical productions a year, including beloved musicals, cabaret-styled tributes, nationally acclaimed music and singing acts, and apprentice-based student productions. A 501c3 organization, the Axelrod PAC receives major funding for its programs from the NJ State Arts Council. Learn more about the Axelrod Performing Arts Center and their upcoming performances and events at AxelrodArtsCenter.com