Mouse Upstages St. Nick at Party for Children’s Ballet Company

SANTA ANA —  More than 200 inner-city children who were at the St. Joseph Ballet Company’s annual Christmas party knew that they were in for a good time Wednesday, but they had no idea that the world’s most famous mouse would be stopping by.

The stunned children screamed as Mickey Mouse strolled into the company’s rehearsal studio in downtown Santa Ana. As the youngsters mobbed Mickey, Julie Marscobian, 13, stood off to the side and calmly sized up the situation.

“He’s cute, he’s little and he’s cool,” she said.

Although Liz Lira, 10, was happy to see Mickey at the party, she was disappointed that he did not bring along his girlfriend, Minnie.

“I wish they were here together,” she said. “Mickey Mouse is very sweet but I like Minnie Mouse better, though.”

Danica Carrillo, 10, said she watches Mickey faithfully on the Disney Channel and proved it by giving a quick history lesson.

“He was the first character Walt Disney created,” she said. “He’s my favorite too, because in his cartoons he expresses himself the best.”

Ballet director Beth Burns said the party was a chance to celebrate the year’s triumphs and to reward the dancers for their hard work, which includes practicing six days a week. She founded the company in 1983 to provide the children with a haven from inner-city life.

More than 90% of the students who attend classes at the studio are on full scholarship. Earlier this year, the group performed at Santa Ana High School during a visit by South Africa’s Anglican leader, Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

The visit by Mickey was arranged by a volunteer at the ballet who, on a whim, contacted Disneyland and asked whether the character could attend.

“We’re still not sure why they said yes,” Burns said. “Whatever the reason, this is certainly the best Christmas we’ve ever had. It’s been wonderful to see the expressions on their faces and to see their joy. That’s what Christmas is all about.”

The excitement over Mickey’s appearance had barely died down before Santa Claus entered the room with a bag full of gifts. Although the man in the red suit was well received by the crowd, there was no denying that he had been upstaged by a mouse in red shorts.