Christina Leonard, Assistant Director

Miss Leonard started her dance training at a young age under the direction of her mother, Donna Leonard and the notable Miranda Sugarman. Since the age of three she has found joy and inspiration through dance, and as she matured as a dancer she followed her passion towards a career in teaching. Christina has been teaching dance to children of all ages for seven years, and is currently the Assistant Director of Center Stage Dance Studio in Melrose.

In 2000, Christina graduated from the Dance Teachers' Club of Boston Dance Education Training Program. She was installed as a member of DTCB in 2001 and has remained an active teacher in the field of dance education through attending annual conventions and workshops throughout the Boston area. In 2005, Miss Leonard graduated from Boston University College of Communication and holds a B.S. in Journalism. Throughout college she performed with the tap team, BU on Tap, and the Dance Theatre troupe at the College of Fine Arts. She has choreographed for local theater productions, including Temple Beth Avodah's production of Carousel in 2006.

Christina is honored to be working for the second year in a row as Assistant Director with Melrose Youth Ballet. She has found it a truly gratifying experience to work with students in a company with which she performed for many years as a member of the Corps de Ballet, soloist, and guest artist. She would like to thank her family & her boyfriend, Eliot, for their love and support through the Nutcracker season and she sends her best wishes to the entire cast of Nutcracker 2007.

MYB Board
Most of our current board members have worked together for the past 5 years. Conducted on a volunteer basis, the board begins planning each year's performance in April. With 2 co-presidents, board members meet regularly to plan September auditions, scheduling, performance fund raisers, costuming, scenery, and more. All local residents, the MYB board devotes countless time and effort to making The Nutcracker possible.

Margaret Palmisano Co-President
East Boston resident and mother of 2, Margaret has acted as a board member with MYB for the past six years. She works in the Boston Public School system, and is proud to have her 2 daughters perform in The Nutcracker. In addition to her work on the board, she works backstage during MYB's performances as a coordinator for young performers.

RuthAnn Puppo Co-President
RuthAnn has been a teacher in the Revere Public Schools for 35 years. She is a Lynnfield resident, and mother of 3. Her youngest daughter has been involved with MYB's for many years, and now is a member of Corps de Ballet. RuthAnn is an essential part of MYB and works throughout the Nutcracker season on fund raising, scheduling, and ticket sales.

Mary Boyle
Mary Boyle has been involved with MYB since its inception in 1995. She has been an Occupational Therapist for 32 years, and lives in Melrose. A mother of 3, Mary's youngest daughter is still performing with MYB's Corps de Ballet. During performances, Mary keeps our dancers safe by conducting sign-in and sign-outs for children.

Dianne Costello-Ford
Dianne works as a Special Education Coordinator in Lexington. A Melrose resident, Dianne first got involved with MYB when her daughter was performing with the company. She continues her work with MYB as a volunteer board member, and is present at all rehearsals to answer parent's questions and confirm scheduling with our cast.

Martha Shook-Leslie
Over the years, all members of Martha's family have participated in MYB's productions. For two years her husband was Stage Manager, and her son was the Sound Technician. In addition, her daughter danced with MYB for many years. Martha has monitored rehearsals for 8 years, and manages the MYB line in her home. Mother of two and Melrose resident, Martha works as a secretary for two churches.

Lori Lombard Backstage Coordinator
Lori is a well-seasoned performer and backstage crew. She has been dancing for more than 20 years, and currently teaches dance at Dance Track in Wakefield, MA. A Malden resident and mother of 3, all of Lori's children perform in The Nutcracker. Her oldest daughter is a member of the Corps de Ballet. From scene changes to quick changes, Lori's expertise and eye for detail have served MYB well in making sure all performances run smoothly.