Sugar plums and snow queen
‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all on the stage, visions of sugar-plums … and snow queens and snow kings and mice and soldiers and the nutcracker prince danced all around.
But, before the night before Christmas, the Cache Valley Civic Ballet (CVCB) will begin the holiday season with its production of “The Nutcracker.”
Audiences both young and old have become enchanted with E.T. Hoffman’s magical story of Clara and her Nutcracker. The story centers around Clara, a young girl whose fantasy dream makes the Christmas tree grow larger than one could imagine, brings toy presents and soldiers to life, and warms hearts with the beauty of her candy land filled with mystical characters and a sugar plum fairy.
Cache Valley Civic Ballet first performed “The Nutcracker” in 1982. Since then, many gifted dancers and community players have graced the stage.
“It is really a community ballet,” Sandra Emile said, CVCB artistic director for 21 years. “We have people as young as 5 years old to those who won’t tell you how old they are.”
This year the role of the Cavalier will be by previous CVCB member, Eric Harris, as he returns as a guest artist from the Nashville Ballet. Harris will be joined by CVCB principal dancer, Vivian Schafer in the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy. One of the newest CVCB members, Louisa Barta will dance as Clara and the Nutcracker Prince will be Trace Benson. Becky Brandt Erickson will dance as the Snow Queen and Travis Mallet is her Snow King.
Erickson said, “I’m just excited to dance. It’s a lot of work, [but in the end it’s] a good payoff.”
For eight weeks, members of CVCB has been rehearsing for “The Nutcracker”. At one time they were rehearsing for two shows, while performing Dracula during Halloween.
“[These are] exceptional, focused, dedicated dancers,” Emile said.
Members of CVCB can only miss three rehearsals in a year.
Emile added that the choreography is very credible and professional.
“It’s a wonderful school,” Emile said. “It offers many activities to the community.”
Right now, there is a waiting list of 300 to join the CVCB.
But Emile won’t lower her standards of those willing to join the CVCB.
“A lot of people want to be in ‘The Nutcracker,'” she said. “But it’s a small stage, I can only put so many people on it.”
Emile said “The Nutcracker” is all about the joy of the season.
Elevators are playing Christmas music, department stores are decorated and “The Nutcracker” is performed, she said.
Every major ballet company in the United States performs “The Nutcracker,” Emile said.
Emile said her favorite part of the program are the littlest dancers.
“The highlight of the show is the [performance of the] clowns by the 5- and 6-year-old dancers. The more they mess up, the more the audience applauds,” she said.
The magic begins at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 28, 29 and Dec. 1. A matinee will be held on Dec. 1 at 1 p.m.
Tickets range from $7 to $15. A family ticket for five people is available for $43. For tickets and information visit the Ellen Eccles Theatre Box Office, 43 S. Main St. in Logan or call 752-0026.
-acbailey@cc.usu.edu
Niki Tolson, 17, a student at Mountain Crest High School, practices Saturday at the Whittier Community Center for the upcoming Nutcracker ballet. (Photo by Aaron Hogan)
Dani Galbraith, 15, watches practice for “The Nutcracker” ballet Saturday at the Whittier Community Center. (Photo by Aaron Hogan)