The countdown to The Nutcracker is upon us. In just a few weeks Chehalem Valley Dance Academy will present its 12th annual Nutcracker performance. It has become one of our most beloved traditions and we can’t wait to share this year’s show on December 11th and 12th.
As we’ve written about before, all admission monies get funneled directly to three local charities: A Family Place, Community Wellness Collective, and Newberg FISH. Not only will you be treated to a spectacular production, you’ll be helping the less fortunate in our community by attending.
In this post we’d like to share with you the perspective of our dancers. They audition in June, so it’s quite a commitment to rehearse throughout the summer and fall, in addition to regular dance classes.
Why do they do it? Read on to find out.
FUN THROUGH EXPRESSION
“I absolutely love being in the Nutcracker. It’s exciting because of how festive and fun it is. From being onstage to stretching in the dressing with some of my closest friends, it’s really fun. My favorite role was being a party boy last year.”
-Mia O.
“The Nutcracker is so much fun. You learn, create, meet new people and form stronger bonds with the other dancers. This is my first year and I already love it! I love how it’s not just dancing. I like being a party boy because I can act and become more comfortable with expression. I think it’s a great experience and I will definitely do it next year!”
-Pyper T.
“The Nutcracker has taught me a new way of expressing and dancing. I am so excited for the community to see the amazing Christmas performance that we are working on.”
-Chloe M.
ELEVATED PERFORMANCE
“I’ve learned and grown so much from our first Nutcracker to this one. When we have ballet dances in the Showcase, it’s a 3 minute demonstration of the technique we have gained. But being in The Nutcracker forces us to really use our artistry and performance. It has taught me what it’s like to put on a production. We have to interact with all of the other characters, presenting a two hour play without words. The Nutcracker gives us a glimpse of what it’s like to dance professionally and I am very grateful for this experience.”
-Bridget DT
“The Nutcracker is such an incredible experience, from auditioning for parts to performing in front of an audience. It’s very different from the Showcase because in The Nutcracker we are telling a story through dancing without words. I absolutely love dancing in this show and I have grown so much from my first one, four years ago. I am so happy to be a part of it.”
-Hadley O.
GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY
“Ever since I was a child I wanted to be in The Nutcracker, just like all the beautiful ballerinas that I had watched before. CVDA gave me that opportunity and has taught me what to expect in making a production. And how important it is to give back to the community that is so supportive of what I do. Being in the Nutcracker has made me be more than just a competition or studio dancer and more of a well-rounded dancer. I am quite thankful for the wonderful opportunity that CVDA gave me to not only do what I love but to give back to the community while doing something I loved.”
-Karissa N.
“This is only my second year being in the Nutcracker, and first year to audition. But I can honestly say that it is fantastic. First of all, the proceeds go to charity! How amazing is it that we work so hard doing what we love most and we get to raise money for charity at the same time?! It’s great how people in the community enjoy coming to shows. The Nutcracker auditions are professional and so much else have helped me grow. Since my first year being in The Nutcracker, I have learned how to directly apply what I learn in class to a performance. How we perform influences how the story is told. Sharing the story is a great experience.”
-Hailey S.
Visit www.newbergnutcracker.com for more info!
Spanish dancer
Dancers prep backstage
