It is official, Nutcracker time is here! After about a month and a half of rehearsals, Central West has made it to theatre week for our annual production of The Nutcracker. Today we find ourselves in the Mary Stuart Rogers Theatre at the Gallo Center for the Arts preparing to stage the entire ballet. Staging is when we block out our marks on stage, making sure that everyone knows where they are going. This is an especially important aspect for the children of our production, some who have never been on stage before. I decided I would speak with some of our younger cast members today to find out what makes The Nutcracker such a special experience for them.

To start, I spoke with two of our Claras about why they enjoy being a part of this holiday tradition. Alexis Marker explained that she loves dancing and performing for everyone. She also really likes the opportunity to watch the company dancers in rehearsal. Dancing the role of Clara is a dream come true for her; she has always wanted the chance to dance the part and has really loved getting advice on the role from all of the past Claras. Ally Munson shared that she loves the magic of The Nutcracker. She likes the costumes and the ability to really get into character. Also, being a part of The Nutcracker allows her to spend more time with her friends, who are also dancers. She told me she has watched all of the other Claras and likes the fact that she can add her own style and interpretation to the role.

Alexis’ real life brother, Blake, is playing opposite of her as her stage brother Fritz. Blake is one of our veteran party boys and has played the role of Fritz for several years now. He explained that he likes the role of Fritz because he likes being able to lead the boys around through the party scene. Said Blake, “It’s fun, it’s enjoyable”. This year we have the addition of little boy Gingerbread Cookies with Blake being one of them. He expressed that he really loves being a cookie and that he’s had a lot of fun. Some of our other party boys also weighed in on their favorite parts of being in The Nutcracker. Brian Ebster told me that he loves to be both backstage and onstage. Blake Denton said he really likes to watch the Nutcracker doll in the battle scene and Grant Sutter enjoys the ability to act like himself onstage. “I love being in the Nutcracker, it’s fun”.

 I had the chance to speak with some of our youngest dancers who showcase their abilities in Act Two of the ballet. Young Angels Maameserwaa Awuah and Emma Birtels both talked to me about their favorite aspects of the ballet. Maameserwaa really likes both her bell shaped costume and the angelic dancing. Emma loves the story of this Christmas classic. She has also really enjoyed the rehearsals, where she has had the chance to meet all of the other girls dancing as young angels.

All of the little dancers who I had the privilege to speak with seemed to agree on one thing, they all love The Nutcracker. This ballet is a wonderful opportunity for young dancers to get their first real taste of the stage and what it’s like to be a part of professional production. Being a part of this ballet is what inspires young girls and boys to continue with dance and further their studying of the art. Almost every professional dancer can look back with fond memories of Nutcrackers past where they were once the little ones looking up at the snowflakes and the Sugar Plum Fairy. It just wouldn’t be Christmas without The Nutcracker. The children are ready, and so are the dancers, so please be sure to join us at the Gallo Center for the Arts for these next two weekends.

Central West Ballet News