The pointe of the holiday season
You know when you can’t pronounce the actor’s or director’s or artist’s name? Yeah, that’s how you know it’s going to be good.
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (say that five times fast) has garnered adoration across the globe for a century and a half with his classical ballet compositions, such as “Swan Lake” and “The Sleeping Beauty.” And these are often considered works of art, but arguably none have matched the apex clout the near-universally-beloved “The Nutcracker” possesses.
This weekend, the Cache Valley Civic Ballet, or CVCV, is reviving their tradition of kicking off the holiday season to perform “The Nutcracker.”
“We didn’t get to do it last year because of just the complete insanity of last year,” said Lexie Keller, a dancer and teacher at CVCB. “We’re all pretty desperate to get back into “Nutcracker” season. It doesn’t really feel like Christmas without it.”
Artistic director Sandy Emile is also the creator of the CVCB, which she founded in 1982. Since its genesis, Emile has directed “The Nutcracker” numerous times and has decades of experience.
Dancers Elli Filmoehala (left) and Lexie Keller (right) put on their pointe shoes for rehearsal.
“Our Nutcracker is for the community and with the community,” she said. “Dancers in our ‘Nutcracker’ are not all ballet dancers.”
There are also a few children throughout the company who have learning and/or physical disabilities, but Emile said she has established an environment at CVCB that is safe and welcoming to everybody.
“Sometimes it makes it a little more challenging,” she said, “but they’re all still part of our ‘Nutcracker.’”
Ellie Filimoehala has been dancing at CVCB since she was three years old.
“It’s so nice having a small studio here where you get to know everyone and it’s not super competitive,” Filimoehala said. “It’s just a lot of fun and performing at the Eccles has always been my favorite thing since I was a little girl.”
Filimoehala also said she prefers the familial energy of the CVCB over more competitive dance companies.
“I don’t really need the glitz and glamour of being a professional,” Filimoehala said. “It’s definitely enough to be able to dance.”
Emile also emphasized the importance of having local volunteers to help perform the ballet.
Dancers Elli Filmoehala (left), Lexie Keller (middle), and Alexis Stephens (right) rehearse in the Whittier Community Center.
“The Nutcracker” is for everybody,” Emilie said, “And it’s a community organization about and for the community. These people are the real heroes because they make it happen. It’s magic for everybody.”
Alexis Stephens is a dedicated dancer at CVCB in addition to pursuing her nursing degree at Weber State University. Despite her tight schedule, Stephens refuses to give up ballet.
“I think it’s just something if you love it enough, you’re going to make time for it, even with reality,” Stephens said. “Ballet has formed us into strong people, and so we’ve been able to carry it throughout our career and lives.”
The Cache Valley Civic Ballet plans to hold four performances of “The Nutcracker” on Nov. 26, 27 and 29. The performances will take place at the Ellen Eccles Theatre on South Main Street. Tickets range from $12 to $30, but the CVCB offers a 25% discount to all students, Kindergarten-University.