Marilyn’s performs The Nutcracker Dec. 5 & 6
Traditional holiday ballet performed Dec. 5 and 6 at Kutztown High School
Marilyn’s Dance Studio in Kutztown presents its production of The Nutcracker on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 4 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. at the Kutztown Area High School.
“The Nutcracker has become a Christmas tradition all over the Western world. Nearly every ballet company in America presents it during the Christmas season,” said director Priscilla Knight, who is also the designer and creator of most of the costumes as well as the choreographer.
Knight said the ballet is based off of the ETA Hoffman book “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.” The Music is by Peter I. Tchaikovsky.
“Most will have heard excerpts from the Nutcracker music in TV commercials, on the radio, or while shopping,” said Knight. “For me The Nutcracker adds to the Christmas cheer, for many children it is a performance of magic and wonder.”
Marilyn’s performance of the Nutcracker is unique in many ways, she said.
“Every part is danced by amateur ballet students. We hire in no professional dancers to play the lead parts, yet our performance of the Nutcracker is nowhere close to amateur,” said Knight. “The sets, costumes, choreography, and dancing is polished, bright and colorful. I am extremely proud of what our dancers accomplish is such a very short time of rehearsal.”
Marilyn’s performs The Nutcracker every two years. Their first performance was in 2000. Over the years their performance has evolved to include dancers from other studios as well as performing with the Kutztown University Orchestra in the years that they are available, she said.
“There are close to 90 participants in our performance of the Nutcracker, from the littlest Angel who has just started ballet to parents of the dancers who are taking parts in the Party Scene,” she said.
Performers are from Kutztown, Brandywine Heights, Oley, Fleetwood, Hamburg, Northwestern, and Schuylkill Valley school districts.
“Our Nutcracker is open to students from any dance studio. This year we have several young ladies from Culture Shock in Hamburg performing with us,” said Knight.
She said that there is quite a lot that each dancer learns by participating in The Nutcracker.
“They take part in a very special Christmas tradition. They stretch their technical ability by learning new ways in which to combine steps. They meet dancers from other studios and learn from each other,” said Knight. “The very young beginning ballet student dances with the older more advanced ballet dancers and begin to dream of the parts they may someday have when they are older. The older ballet dancers become mentors to the young ones and learn patience as well as remembering the excitement of their first Nutcracker.”
“Above all, my hope is that the enjoyment of this traditional Christmas ballet will be passed down to future generations by everyone who participates,” said Knight.
She believes the audience will leave the auditorium impressed by what Kutztown has produced.
“I hope dazzled by the costumes and scenery, but perhaps most important filled with respect for the talent that is represented by the young dancers. Of course, since the goal of ballet is to make it appear as if dancing on your toes is effortless they may not realize that a lot of blood, sweat and tears went into their performance,” said Knight. “Last I hope that The Nutcracker revitalizes everyone’s Christmas spirit and brings them joy to this holiday season.”
Marilyn’s Dance Studio in Kutztown presents its production of the Nutcracker on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 4 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. at the Kutztown Area High School. For tickets, call 610-683-7725 or visit marilynsdancestudio.com.