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THE NUTCRACKER
A Special Note from The Directors:
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This is our 26th season performing the full-length version of The Nutcracker Ballet, and we are pleased to say that this year's performance is sure to delight audiences of all ages. In addition to our pre- professional dance company members, the cast includes veteran performers and child performers between the ages of 4-7. The performance is sure to capture imaginations with a set that includes professional lighting effects, numerous props, a growing christmas tree, and three different scenic backdrops. Dance Company participants have practiced over 50 hours to bring you this holiday classic.
The Nutcracker is an especially important ballet, as it is often the first experience an audience may have with ballet. Ms. Sandy remembers her own excitement the first time her parents took her to a ballet. Yes, you guessed it, watching The Nutcracker was the moment she fell in love with dance. For Ms. Shari, when the curtain came down on her first performance, she knew that someday she wanted to be a professional ballerina! Many years later, after numerous years of training, they were privileged to dance The Nutcracker professionally. Season upon season, they were honored to dance a variety of roles. Dancing onstage, sometimes they would catch a glimpse of the children’s eyes in the audience. The wonder and joy was apparent as the children looked upon the snow falling for the first time in the land of Snowflakes, witnessed the thrilling battle between The Nutcracker and the Mouse Queen, or burst out in delighted giggles as the Ginger Bread and Bakers rushed onto stage.
White Marsh Ballet Academy also has a special event at the end of our Friday performance, where the Sugarplum Fairy, Dewdrop, and a few other characters come out to the lobby to meet everyone after the performance. This event is incredibly special as the children just light up when they get to meet their favorite characters after the story unfolds. It’s rare that audience members get to interact with the performers, so it means a lot to the dancers that they’re able to meet the children and get to know them a bit. Every dancer loves dance just for the sake of it, but there’s a special connection with the audience, both young and old, when you feel you’ve ignited a spark in them for something you love.
To the directors, The Nutcracker is more than just a holiday tradition that goes hand in hand with hot cocoa and decorations. It’s about community and sharing in the unique expression of humanity: art. While there are many different versions of The Nutcracker, having children perform, many of who are the same age as the children in our audiences, adds an element of wonder that children can identify with. It’s a story of adventure, magic, courage, and love. Clara’s fearlessness and passion is something every child can look up to. Our story ends with Clara waking up in her bed, holding her Nutcracker, and remembering her fantastic journey. Was it real or a dream? It’s up to the audience to decide, but the mark of emotion left on our audience members is certainly real. We hope you can join us for this year’s production –on Friday December 1 at 6:00 pm and Saturday Dec 2 at 5:00 pm.
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Wishing You Holiday Cheer,
Sandy & Shari, Directors White Marsh Ballet Academy