ABA'S NUTCRACKER & HOLIDAY TREATS
This Nutcracker season has truly been one of a kind. ABA has put on various shows of the Nutcracker at a variety of different locations this year, bringing the classic holiday production back to the stage. Unlike the past few years, we performed a more traditional version, one without our Equal Rights Night twist, and we even added a mice scene, which made this year?s performances extra fun for us and our spectators! Per usual, we also enhanced most shows by including variations and ensemble pieces, allowing the audience to seewhat we have worked hard on for competitions, while, at the same time, giving us the opportunity to practice them on stage.
Our first Nutcracker show was for the Riderwood Senior Community. We performed segments from our Nutcracker, most of the pieces are part of the second act, as well as a diverse selection of styles shown in our solos and ensembles. Despite having a smaller stage to work with, we did our best to provide an entertaining show for the audience that day. The next mini-Nutcracker show was at the Margaret Schweinhaut Senior Center, one that we annually do. This time, a little different than the Riderwood show, we only presented a small portion of the party scene, the dances from the Land of Dreams, and debuted the amusing mice scene, creating a shorter version of the show. Because of this, we added a brief Q&A for the audience to ask us questions. Whenever we have a Q&A, it always becomes a unique and sometimes challenging experience, since we like to use the movements in dance when expressing something to the audience rather than public speaking. None the less it was a nice way to end this mini-Nutcracker show.
Moving on to our main performance of the Nutcracker, it was such a wonderful way to end 2022. With an amazing and supportive audience, we produced a successful show, half of it containing our version of the Nutcracker and the other offering chosen solos and ensembles. Another new implement we displayed was the backdrop, one that upgraded the quality of our production. The environment felt very realistic, overall strengthening the performance in general and the portrayal of each character. 19
Starting the day with a class on stage and a full rehearsal of the performance, the time quickly came for us to get prepared for the beginning of Act I . When the show started, our sensational Godfather Drosselmeier, portrayed by one of our teachers Jessica Novakovich, walked down the aisles of the audience and greeted everyone amusingly, setting the professional, yet humorous tone of our performance. Getting a couple laughs out of them right away, it made it intriguing even for the rest of us behind the big curtains. Later, another memorablemoment for me was the fighting scene between Clara and Fritz during the party, which Emma and I were able to do together. In that special brother-sister scene, the connection and energy between us and the audience was unmatched. As an unfailingly enjoyablemoment, I think I can speak for the both of us that bringing it to the stage to act out in front of a house full of peoplemade it even more pleasurable. Additionally, themice scenewas a highlight as well. After an amazing reaction when we first did it at the Schweinhaut Senior Center, the audience we had at theMontgomery Cultural Arts Center did not disappoint. Pretending to sleep in that chair whilemice Emma and Ariel were stomping around me was very hard to do, and all I wanted was to laugh too.
Being a part of that scene was one that I was extremely excited for, especially since being able to dance along the other PTP 1/ 2 girls and partner with Jojo, theMouseQueen, was always thrilling in rehearsal. Then, in the finale, after watching everyone in the Land of Dreams and performing Sugarplum, being able to dance alongside all of ABA?s students, even our little pre-PTP dancers, and support them from backstage reminded me of the bond and encouraging environment that we have always had. As the curtains closed that first time after the Nutcracker portion, we all screamed of excitement, celebrating a Nutcracker night to remember.
The next act of our Nutcracker Night performance consisted of choreographies of a number of styles, alternating between classical masterpieces, contemporary solos and group dances, and character pieces, many which have won at numerous ballet competitions. Each piece was performed beautifully, one after the next, showcasing all the hard work and passion each dancer has put into their pieces. A particularly remarkable piece played by ABA graduate Elise Haukenes was her violin performance comprising of a variety of holiday songs. As a time for a couple of us to quick change into our last piece, we couldn?t help but to dance and quietly sing along with her soothing music. I personally thought it was a wonderful addition to our winter show. Lastly, our final piece of the night was Bliss, choreographed by Mrs. Marina Timofeeva. Though we have done it many times throughout the past year, it has been a crowd favorite every time. Being able to do it again on such a big stage, with adrenaline and excitement in me, was a great feeling. I t?s a piece like no other that has continuously helped me improve with my expression and skills, and I was happy to be able to do it once more. Even with a tight schedule this early in the season, wemanaged to make the customary storyline of the Nutcracker into an influential and uplifting performance for our audiencemembers, as we hoped to display what the arts are truly about. I cannot wait for Nutcracker season to appear again next year, but for now, have a happy new year!
-Lucy