The talents of a Tonawanda High School Sophomore will hit the silver screen this weekend, as she makes her movie debut on the Great American Family Network.
Allyson Kaeselau is one of a handful of ballet dancers chosen to perform as a dance student in the Christmas movie, “A Royal Christmas Ballet”. The movie’s creators had reached out to Kaeselau’s dance company, the Royal Academy of Ballet & Dance, to provide dancers for a group dance scene.
The movie was filmed in Western New York in February 2024. For Kaeselau’s part, she filmed 15-20 hours over two days. As a veteran dancer with the Royal Academy of Ballet & Dance for the last nine years, Kaeselau said she was less nervous about the movie shoot than she has been for a live show.
“We had multiple retries and we could retake it if needed. It wasn’t like it’s live theater and we don’t have multiple tries to make it perfect,” said Kaeselau.
Kaeselau says while she enjoyed her role in the movie, her future goal is still to become a professional dancer with a contemporary ballet dance company. Performing on a movie set helped reinforce her passion for dance, which she said allows her to express herself with movement instead of words.
Over the years, Kaeselau has danced with the Greater Buffalo Youth Ballet, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and for Saint Mary’s School for the Deaf. She is also a proud two-time recipient of the Ginger Burke Scholarship.
“Allyson shows us that with unwavering dedication and boundless talent you can shine both in the classroom and on the stage,” said Renee Smith, THS Assistant Principal. “She is a true testament to hard work and following your passion.”
Kaesalua will be performing tonight with the Royal Academy of Ballet in the show, “Three Wishes” as the Russian Princess and the Peace Wish. The show starts at 7:00 p.m. at Cardinal O’Hara High School.
The movie premieres on Sunday, December 22 at 8:00 p.m. on the Great American Family Network. Kaesalua said she will watch it at a small viewing party with family.