State Street Dance Studio in St. Charles to stage 'The Nutcracker'
If visions of sugar plums are dancing in your head, then the "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" is just the thing you need.
State Street Dance Studio presents the classic Christmas ballet "The Nutcracker" opening 7:30 p.m. Saturday, December 20 at the Norris Cultural Arts Center.
An annual event that continues to grow, Tchaikovsky's masterpiece is brought to life through a group of performers who are passionate about dance.
"Every year the show gets better and better," said Linda Cunningham, founder and artistic director of State Street Dance Studio. "We strive for excellence and make sure the audience is enchanted."
"The Nutcracker" tells the story of a young girl named Clara, who takes a magical journey through dreamlike lands after receiving a toy nutcracker for Christmas. To make the show as spellbinding as possible, State Street Dance Studio holds open auditions in August to bring in a diverse and gifted cast.
"We look for lots of different kinds of talent besides the obvious ballet skill," Cunningham said. In doing so, she has assembled a larger than usual ensemble of nearly ninety people, ranging in age from 5 to 80 years old.
Many productions of the ballet only use around 50 performers, but Cunningham has found that the larger cast makes for a more spectacular experience, on and offstage.
"It's such a positive environment to work in," said Susanna Hite of St. Charles, who plays Clara's mother. "Everyone works so well together and is constantly encouraging each other to reach their full potential."
Isabelle Urban, 11, who plays Clara, agrees. "I love coming to practice and making sure I'm doing my best," the St. Charles resident said. "Being with my friends is so fun."
Spending time with loved ones is at the heart of this dance group. Many have been taking classes together at the studio for years, and others have multiple generations participating in the performance. Cunningham's husband, daughter and father are all part of the show.
"It's a family affair," she said. This year, a few added extras will make the theatrical experience even more special. For both performances, a preshow featuring local musicians will entertain audiences with holiday offerings a half-hour before curtain time.
After the show, audience members will have the opportunity to have their picture taken on the Nutcracker set for a nominal fee. It is a chance to get an idea of what it feels like to be on a professional stage, and those who take part will also receive a special holiday frame to accompany the print.
The entire cast hopes that coming to the show will become a holiday tradition for families.
"This show brings out all the magic of this time of year," said Hite. "It feeds the spirit." Even if you have never sat through an entire ballet before, "The Nutcracker" is sure to entertain.
"Compared to other ballets, this one is short, colorful and full of recognizable music," Cunningham assures. "We flood the stage with magic."
<p class="factboxheadblack">If you go</p> <p class="News"><b>What:</b> "The Nutcracker" performed by State Street Dance Studio</p> <p class="News"><b>When:</b> 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21 </p> <p class="News"><b>Where:</b> Norris Cultural Arts Center, 1040 Dunham Road, St. Charles</p> <p class="News"><b>Tickets:</b> $20 adults; $15 children 10 and under</p> <p class="News"><b>Info:</b> Call (630) 584-7200, ext. 10</p>