Students make Wauconda 'Nutcracker' their own

After months of anticipation - and rehearsals - the students at the Academy of Ballet in Wauconda took the stage this month for their production of the holiday classic "The Nutcracker."

Performances took place in early December in Wauconda High School's new auditorium. Clara was performed by Kylee Frey of Lakemoor, and the Nutcracker was performed by Chase Hayden of Wauconda. The Sugar Plum Fairy was played by Monica Hernandez of North Barrington.

The Academy of Ballet's performance was different from other Nutcrackers because students performed almost all of the roles, said Melissa Hayden, the academy's owner and artistic director.

"We contracted only one professional dancer to dance with our Sugar Plum Fairy," she said.

Alexander Kopchinsky, a professional from Moscow, coached Monica Hernandez in the pas de deux. He performed opposite her in the pas de deux - an incredible, and unusual, opportunity, Hayden said.

"It was amazing to see a student perform so well with strong accurate technique," Hayden said.

Kopchinsky and Hayden provided original choreography for the production, along with Lana Galina, Cindee Kassel and Kelly Kledzik.

The dancers and their teachers weren't the only ones excited about - and invested in - the production. It truly was a community effort, Hayden said.

Wauconda High School Theater Director Aimee Evans helped secure the venue, which will now be home to the academy's annual "Nutcracker" performance. Other community members, including Mayor Mark Knigge, helped prepare the set.

"It is a true pleasure to bring this ballet to the Wauconda community," Hayden said. "The community has supported the growth of the studio and this holiday event."

The Academy of Ballet, located at 216 Main St., teaches classes in ballet technique, jazz, hip/hop, tap and pointe for ages 3 through adult. The entire studio will be performing in a spring recital this June. For more information, call (847) 487-4700.