Midway through the performance, seven little bunnies with powder-puff tails and pink satin-lined ears scrambled under terracotta flowerpots to hide from Mr. McGregor. It didn’t take him long to discover them, and as he turned over each flowerpot, a ballerina bunny popped out and leapt into the bouncing dance that Mr. McGregor could not control. The audience was very amused at Mr. McGregor’s predicament, but all ended happily as the bunny ballerinas gave way to Squirrel Nutkin and his band of extremely mischievous friends who were taught a painful lesson by Old Owl.

Grandmother Jody Junger flew in from Tulsa, Okla., to watch her granddaughter Sophia Tahernia perform.

“I really enjoyed the entire program, the 'Beatrix Potter' theme was whimsical and the dancers all were so fun to watch,” said Junger.

Niloo Scriven, aunt of dancer Isabelle Chevre, agreed with Isabelle’s grandmother Natalie Shams-Brown, “We both just loved it, Isabel’s been studying about a year and is having the best time.”

Polished Students
With a musical score that ranged from Vivaldi to Canadian composer Andre Gagnon, children donned squirrel tails, rabbit ears and piggish snouts to step into their character’s identity. Hours of practice allowed the troupe to make the lithe movements seem effortless.

Andrea Varela, in the audience to take in her daughter Haley’s appearance, indicated that the study of ballet brings “ … poise, grace, and beautiful posture. Haley has been studying since she was 3, and there is a tremendous amount of athleticism involved,” she continued. “There is a syllabus, and periodic judging keeps the girls practicing.”

Dedicated Director
Valerie Mahabir is the artistic director and choreographer of the Desert Youth Ballet. She holds a registered ballet teaching degree from the Royal Academy of Dancing in London. She is currently instructing youth from the Coachella Valley in compliance with the international standards of the Royal Academy of Dance.

Previously, Mahabir has written, produced and directed her students in the ballets “La Boutique Fantastique” and “The Seasons.” This is the fourth presentation of the “Tales of Beatrix Potter” she has presented in the Coachella Valley. Mahabir is the sole certified Royal Academy of Dance instructor in the Coachella Valley and is also qualified to teach handicapped children. She has established the Desert Youth Ballet Scholarship fund in the name of her father, Dr. Winston Jules Mahabir.

The IPAC venue was perfect for the event, with plenty of air-conditioning and comfortable seats. Polite ushers made sure you were seated properly, and refreshments were available at the intermission. There was plenty of parking, and the location, at 45-175 Fargo St., Indio, is easily accessed from the freeway or Highway 111.

For more John Garber photos of “Beatrix Potter,” click here.

For more information about the Indio Performing Arts Center, click here.

For more information about the Desert Youth Ballet, click here.