The Nutcracker Ballet will feature fresh faces this season

  • By Kyle Valentini
  • December 6, 2011
  • 375
                        
Summary: In its 19th year, the Tuscarawas Dance Arts Center production of The Nutcracker Ballet will include several new faces this year. The Bargain Hunter had the opportunity to talk to some of them at a recent rehearsal held at their downtown Dover studio. Despite their lack of experience in the production, these students are ready to showcase their skills and be a part of the community tradition this holiday season. The Nutcracker Ballet under the direction of Tuscarawas Dance Arts Center’s Shelly Beitzel has become a holiday tradition for members of the community. For 19 years Beitzel and her students have been entertaining audiences all the while teaching her students the art of ballet, a type of performance dance that has been a part of our culture for centuries. Tuscarawas Dance Arts Center at Dover will present their annual holiday production of The Nutcracker Ballet Dec. 15-18 at the Performing Arts Center at Kent State Tuscarawas at New Philadelphi. Performances on Dec. 15-17 begin at 7:30 with a 2 p.m. matinee scheduled on the 18th. “When students perform the Nutcracker for the first time they use their skills as dancers but they also get the opportunity to see what it might be like to be a professional dancer. They get to use the dressing rooms, perform the warm-ups and put in long hours of practice,” said Shelly Beitzel. “Unlike a recital that is typically seen by family and friends, The Nutcracker is seen by a much larger audience and the performers must be ready for that,” said Beitzel. First time performers in The Nutcracker are not necessarily new students. Annabelle Lipinski, a second grader at Tuscarawas Central Catholic Elementary School at Dover has been dancing for six years. “I have performed in front of a lot of people so I am ready for this,” said Lipinski. “This is my first time in The Nutcracker but I‘m not nervous.” Rachel Ress, a third grader at Tuscarawas Central Catholic Elementary School, has been dancing since she was three. She joined Tuscarawas Dance Arts Center less than two years ago and will be performing in The Nutcracker for the first time. “I’ve been in a lot of plays and I love to perform in front of an audience. We practice a lot and sometimes we have to hold a pose for a long time and that can be hard but I like everything about dance,” said Ress. “One of the first things we noticed when we started coming to Tuscarawas Dance Arts Center was how organized Shelly was. We know that Rachel is learning when she is here. Rachel is very excited to be a part of The Nutcracker this year,” said Jenifer Ress, Rachel’s mom. Newcomerstown West Elementary fifth grader, Anna Styer said it is worth the drive to be a part of Tuscarawas Dance Arts Center. “I love dance and we are like a family here. This is my first time performing in The Nutcracker where I will play the roles of girl at party, snowflake and soldier.” Beitzel was reluctant to say there was a progression of roles for students because she sees each role as being vital to the success of the performance. “If I had to say there was a progression it would be elf, mouse, soldier, girl at party and then doll,” said Beitzel. “As the students gain experience they move up into the character dances. Each role is important and most students play two or three roles in the ballet.” “We have quite a few students that will be performing in the production for the first time this year,” said Beitzel. “I have to remind myself of that because I’ve been doing the ballet for so long. Next year will be our 20th year and we’ll do something special.” In addition to the production, Beitzel has arranged special entertainment for each performance that will begin shortly before curtain call. Thursday, Dec 15 will feature harpist Sarah Fouts, Friday, Dec. 16 the jazz trio Shomongus will perform and Saturday, Dec. 17 audience can enjoy Rick Michel on the piano. For more information or to purchase tickets call Tuscarawas Dance Arts Center at 330.364.3060.


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