Local Dancers Take Flight in Original Peter Pan Ballet

The Mia Saunders School of Ballet (MSB) invites the community to enjoy a magical afternoon of dance with its Spring 2026 production, Peter Pan and Lyrical Works, on Sunday, June 7, at 2:00 p.m. at the Centreville High School Auditorium, 6001 Union Mill Road, Clifton.

This all-new production of Peter Pan marks a fresh creative chapter for MSB, featuring original choreography, new costumes, and a unique storyline set primarily to the music of composer Stephen Warbeck. Designed to delight audiences of all ages, the performance blends humor, heart, and imagination in a lively, family-friendly retelling of the classic tale.

“This production is something completely new for our studio—and it has been so much fun,” said Artistic Director Hannah Gestwick. “I’ve burst into laughter in rehearsals more than once. Our dancers have really taken ownership of their characters and brought so much personality to the stage.”

A hallmark of MSB’s creative process is student collaboration, and this year’s production was shaped by the studio’s senior class—led by Parker Ellison, a senior at Paul VI High School, who performs the title role.

“I always involve our seniors in the brainstorming process because I want them to graduate knowing they’ve left their fingerprint on MSB,” Gestwick added. “Each fall, I bring them ideas around storyline, casting, and costumes, and we narrow it down together. Sometimes we choose a more classical ballet—this year, we went in a different direction.”

“I chose Peter Pan because I wanted my last show at MSB to be memorable—not just for me, but for the younger dancers, too,” said Ellison. “It’s a little different from a traditional ballet, but it really fits who I am and how I want to be remembered here.”

The studio’s Advanced dancers bring the production’s lead characters to life, while younger classes round out the performance in imaginative ensemble roles including Pixie Dust, Water Lilies, Crocodiles, Mermaids, and Lost Boys—creating a full-cast experience that reflects the depth and spirit of the MSB community.

“I really enjoy performing scenes with the crocodiles because our character dynamics bring such a fun, comedic element to the show,” said Noelle Brosnan, Captain Hook, a student at Robinson Secondary School.

“I’m really excited for ‘the Fight’ scene,” added Inaaya Malik, Tinker Bell, a student at Centreville High School. “It brings together multiple dance levels, and the choreography is really fun to perform.”

For junior dancer Miranda Smith, who performs as Wendy, the production also captures a meaningful moment of friendship on stage.

“Dancing alongside my best friends and watching the younger dancers grow has been the best part,” said Smith. “Their hard work and dedication is really amazing to see.”

With its mix of storytelling, creativity, and community spirit, Peter Pan and Lyrical Works offers an engaging performance for families, friends, and neighbors across the Centreville–Clifton area.

Performance & Ticket Information

The performance will take place Sunday, June 7, at 2:00 p.m. at the Centreville High School Auditorium, 6001 Union Mill Road, Clifton.

Tickets are available online and at the door.

• Online: $15 general admission, $12 for children ages 5 and under (plus processing fee; all-in pricing shown at checkout)
• At the door (1:30–2:00 p.m.): $15 general admission, $12 for children ages 5 and under (cash or check only)

Doors open at 1:45 p.m. For more information, visit www.miasaundersballet.com.