Nutcracker 2021

 

This year we were so happy that the girls' dance studio decided to put on the Nutcracker.  We have always wanted to have the opportunity to perform it, but in the past have been limited by our studio's policy on Sunday rehearsals.  Our studio has been willing to schedule our rehearsals on other days and has been very understanding with conflicts - band, church, etc.  We did have to sacrifice a few parts in the party scene, but are just grateful for all the dances and parts that we could participate in.

  The Nutcracker music is so beautiful and the story is nostalgic for me.  I'm sure every ballerina wants to perform it at some point in their career.  Sheri was featured as Tarantella and Eve was Dew Drop from the Waltz of the Flowers.  Dew Drop was equal (in level) to Sugar Plum in this show, with as much time on stage or more.  Eve was very honored to get this role!  Both girls did an absolutely beautiful job! The girls were also able to participate as rats in the fight scene (which they loved) and in their class dances.

We were able to take professional photos in their costumes a few weeks prior.

Eve as Dew Drop

Flower and Dew Drop

Sheri as Tarantella

Rats

Snow

Winter showcase dances

The recital was at the park again.  Gratefully, it wasn't as hot as June's recital, but it did get chilly at times for the audience.  The marley floor was not as sticky, but it was still a bit uneven at times which added an extra challenge for the dancers.

We got some fun new dance boots to go over the girls dance shoes, keeping them clean and warm before going on stage.  Here is Eve getting ready for the show to begin

The show started with a Winter Showcase.

Followed by a short intermission before beginning Nutcracker.

Sheri's friend Ava was also a rat.  All the girls had a lot of fun with this dance!

Eve's friend Allison was the Rat Queen.

Eve's class performed the snow scene.

During the next LONG intermission I snagged this photo of Eve, Sterling, and Sheri's friends that came to support the girls.  This is just the kids from our ward that came.  I think they were surprised at how long the show was.  But when you compare it to a football game, you can't complain. :)

The next act was the Land of the Sweets.

Clara tells the story while welcomed by Sugar Plum and Dew Drop

Then came the dances from various lands.  Here is Sheri as Tarantella.

Next came Waltz of the Flowers with Dew Drop

Finishing with the final bows

So many friends came to support.  We had school friends and church friends including 3 YW leaders, even our Bishop and his wife came to see the girls.  It was incredible to feel so much support!  It was a LONG recital- over 3 hours- so these folks get extra credit for sticking it out to the end!

I love my beautiful girls and love that they were able to share these memories together.  They both did BEAUTIFULLY!

Here Eve is with Ms. Charlotte who has been so nurturing, patient, and flexible with our crazy schedules, and other needs.  She has really cultivated a place where the dancers can grow wherever they are at and with whatever they can give.  She made sure that she did the Nutcracker before Eve graduated.  Eve has always wanted to be able to be in the Nutcracker. I have so many fond memories of performing it growing up that I wanted the same for her and Sheri. For all of us, I think it has been a dream fulfilled. We are incredibly grateful that our girls have had the loving environment created at Steps Dance Arts Center.