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.
AUDITIONS
Something's Coming
Performances April 8-10 at Axelrod PAC
*plus additional pop-up performances at Bell Works
Seeking Pre-Professional Ballet Dancers Ages 12–20
Video auditions can be submitted to apaa@axelrodartscenter.org
Work with internationally acclaimed choreographer and Director of AXCBT, Gabriel Chajnik, and perform alongside the professional dancers of AXCBT and Guest Artists in Axelrod Contemporary Ballet Theater's "Something’s Coming!"
An array of song and dance honoring iconic moments from movie musicals, Something’s Coming includes excerpts from classics like West Side Story, An American in Paris, The Sound of Music, and more!
Every Sunday 10am-2pm, students join AXCBT Director, Gabriel Chajnik, for an exclusive Advanced Ballet Technique class, followed by 2 hours of rehearsal with AXCBT's professional dancers and Guest Artists. Students learn advanced choreography and receive personal coaching– all while improving their technique, musicality, and artistry.
Tuition for 12-week session of classes + performances: $650