Reminder Publications

Archives

Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.

Local ballerinas to take part in "Nutcracker" production

Date: 11/23/2009

Mary Ann Dancers who will be performing in "The Nutcracker" with the Berkshire Ballet are (back row, left to right) Grace Canon, Erikah Jenney, Amelia Gioscia, Sarah Jutz and Jessie Smith. (front row) Claire Hickling, Hannah Jutz, Alexandria Barnard-Davignon and Bridgid O'Connell. Missing from photo are Sarah Tessicini and Leilani Chin
SPRINGFIELD Interest in studying ballet at the Mary Ann Studio of Dance has been on the rise in recent years. And that interest is most prevelent when a "Nutcracker" production comes to town. Going to see "The Nutcracker" is a holiday tradition for many families and many aspiring young ballerinas, upon seeing their first "Nutcracker," dream of one day being part of the performance.

This year, a record number of Mary Ann Dancers are fulfilling that dream of performing in "The Nutcracker." Eleven young dancers auditioned and will be performing with the Berkshire Ballet when it presents its "Nutcracker" ballet on Dec. 19 at Symphony Hall in Springfield. In total, the Mary Ann Studio of Dance has four mice, three reindeer, two clowns and two angels in this year's "Nutcracker" production.

The first time girls go into the audition they're not sure what to expect; when they come back out the doors and head for their moms, they are beaming from ear to ear about the part they will be playing. Younger sisters follow in their older sisters' footsteps, having watched their older sisters perform and have such fun.

The instructors at the studio love to see the renewed dedication to dance in their students once the young dancers have gone through the audition, they are back in their regular ballet class working harder than ever. They've seen what other parts there are to be had, and with a little more work, they too will have the skills to get one of the roles with more difficulty.

So, for added enjoyment for your holiday season, "The Nutcracker" could be just the ticket. As an added bonus, you may be seeing your favorite neighborhood dancer up on the stage. Do you know someone who has always wanted to try a little ballet, or perhaps tap, or jazz? There are still openings available to enroll at the Mary Ann Studio of Dance.