Last weekend’s performance of the Ballet Slipper’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Coupeville High School Performing Arts Center was a striking example of the quality dancers that “Miss Diane” Geragotelis produces.

Jacey Geragotelis, 17, played the title role with the charm and grace that defines Snow White, elegantly showcasing her 13 years of ballet experience. Her maturity and poise as a dancer were unparalleled, and her “connection” with the younger ballerinas was evident as she watched over and participated in dances with them in scene after scene.

Megan Murphy, 16, was deliciously in character as the cold and wicked Queen and later as the Hag who offered Snow White her poisoned apple. Madison Clark, 16, was absolutely stunning as the Lead Deer, Olivia Peterschmidt, 16, took the stage confidently in a polished performance as the Lead Diamond, and Alison Wolfgang, 16, played the role of the Lead Apple. These dancers performed en pointe. Along with all of the ballerinas in leading roles, Mary Carr, Evelyn Coleman and Sasha Leaman executed several costume changes throughout the show, performing multiple roles, most of them en pointe.

But what would Snow White be without her dwarfs? On stage for almost the entirety of Act Two, the demanding roles were played delightfully by Katie Reid, 11, as Doc, Elizabeth Henderson, 13, as Grumpy, Alison Kuehhas, 10, as Happy, Claire Anderson, 8, as Sleepy, Sydney Autio, 7, as Sneezy, Olivia Gilliam, 7, as Bashful, and Mara Powers, 7, as Dopey. While all the dwarfs played their parts to character by posture and stance alone, standouts were Grumpy, who excelled in dancing with her arms folded and a scowl on her face, and Happy with a constant ear to ear grin.

No one seemed more suited for her role, though, than Mara Powers, who captivated the audience with her perfect portrayal of Dopey. She “stole the show” as she danced gleefully across the stage, jumping into Snow White’s arms. Six months of rehearsals paid off for these young lead characters as they danced their way nearly seamlessly through a total of eight scenes throughout the performance.

One of the most dramatic dances was that of the fireflies, who danced in the dark with multi-colored lights sewn onto their costumes. Truly, they flitted around as fireflies do. The doves, in white with sheer wings, were beautiful and graceful, creating distinct images of the birds in flight. The pigs, complete with stout bellies and curled tails, were cute and upbeat. The squirrels were darling, with 6-year-old Savannah Nowicki taking center stage, impressing viewers with her radiant smile and charming demeanor.

Certainly the most exciting dance of the evening was the Pas de six. Francis Malloy, Joe Raymond and David Valentine delighted the audience with their lifts and turns of their partners, Jacey Gerogotelis, Megan Murphy and Madison Clark, in an exhilarating, and sometimes alarming, display of strength and timing.

From the youngest, adorable bunnies who hopped onto the stage, to the older turtles, the performers’ abilities increased with age and Miss Diane’s teaching skills became apparent. As choreographer, she created a light and airy movement for the birds in their colorful attire. As costume designer, she created traditionally perfect costumes for Snow White, the Queen and the myriad of animal creatures, including squirrels, raccoons, pigs and deer. All costumes were original and hand-sewn by Geragotelis and her assistants.

In all, Geragotelis used the talent and dedication of 49 dancers, ages four to adult, to bring her version of the Disney Classic, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, to life.

(Susan Grayce is a freelance writer from Seattle.)