advertisement

Dance studio's updates keep 'Nutcracker' fresh

For 12 years, Geneva's State Street Dance Studio has been staging a production of "The Nutcracker" every holiday season. Audiences have come to expect lavish sets, festive costumes, special effects and beautiful dancing.

This year, the show has been updated with new choreography, scenery, a charity appearance and even a new name.

Performances of this year's show, now titled "The Fox Valley Nutcracker," take place at 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 28-29, at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre. Ticket prices are $20-$40.

The Daily Herald caught up with Ashlie Andersen, owner of State Street Dance Studio and director of the show, to learn more about what goes into this ambitious production.

Q. This year, the title of the show has changed. Can you explain why?

Ashlie Andersen. Although (the show) is still presented by State Street Dance Studio, re-branding the show as "The Fox Valley Nutcracker" was my way of making it a more communitized performance in the Tri-City area, bringing together not only dancers from State Street, but other surrounding area dance schools, theater groups and community members.

Q. Can you give us an idea of what goes into putting together a show like "The Nutcracker?" Please be as specific and detailed as possible - how many performers, how many hours of rehearsal, how many directors/choreographers, etc.

Andersen. I cannot put this whole show on by myself. It requires an army of people, from the cast to my artistic team, the production crew and costume people - everyone lends a hand in making it the most magical holiday production in our area to see.

This year's cast has just under 100 performers ranging between the ages of 5 and 60. We also have several guest artists that are joining us from around the country. We start rehearsals at the end of August and rehearse every Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. I am the artistic director and choreographed most of the show, but I had a team of three other choreographers that helped put together some choreography as well that include State Street's Ballet Master Steve Norman, my assistant choreographer Bridget Christianson and SSDS faculty member Jennifer Grund.

Also, I couldn't do this without my family. My husband, Joe, is the production manager. He is also in the industry as a stage technician and lighting designer, so we go hand in hand and have worked on many shows together.

Q. What is new or different this year from last year's show?

Andersen. I wasn't able to put my vision and plans into play 100 percent last year during my first year of directing, as I was in the hospital for the last five weeks prior to the show due to a complicated and high-risk pregnancy, so I really took to it this year and making sure some new ideas were added and choreography was changed up a bit.

The sets are different as well. Set pieces will move or fly, and we will have additional levels on stage to make it three-dimensional.

Q. Who are some of the lead dancers and guest artists performing in the show?

Andersen. The show's lead dancers include Bella Reich, 13, of Geneva as Clara; Isabelle Urben, 18, of Geneva as the Snow Queen; Taite Krage, 14, of Elburn as female Russian lead; Cassie Longo, 15, of Geneva, as female Arabian lead; Lily Karlson, 14, of Geneva as Columbine Doll and Dew Drop; Maecy Ashmore, 13 of Batavia, as Dew Drop; and Tim Gilmore, 17, of Aurora, is our Prince, coming to us as an actor from Marmion Academy.

For guest artists, we are excited to have Journy Wilkes-Davis and his wife, Anna, who were former dancers with the Columbia City Ballet. Other guest artists include Ricardo Dryer and Joe Musiel, who are both professional dancers in Chicago.

Q. What are some of the challenges in putting on this show?

Andersen. Some challenges in putting on this show personally for me has been managing a family with two babies on the side and then being able to focus on piecing together the show with all of the elements that are involved. From the director side of it, overseeing the marketing, communicating with the production team and making sure the choreography all comes together is an ongoing challenge in the months and weeks leading up to the show.

Q. What is most rewarding/gratifying?

Andersen. The most rewarding and gratifying part of the show as a whole is being a part of a holiday tradition. So many people take their children to see this show or others around the world, and its particularly gratifying to be able to spread the holiday cheer to those who come to see it and help make it a family tradition.

Q. Tell us about your plans to take "The Nutcracker" on the road in December.

Andersen. On Dec. 22, "The Fox Valley Nutcracker" will be making a stop at Central DuPage Hospital's Pediatric Unit and Pediatric Oncology Center to visit all of the kids and families that will have to be in the hospital these holidays. This will mean a lot to me, as I was that family one year ago and I just want to share the joy this story can bring to others.

Characters such as the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Nutcracker and Clara will be making special appearances. After the hospital visit, we will be spending the evening at the new Ronald McDonald House across the street in Winfield. Dancers will perform small pieces from the show, gather the children in the house for a holiday dance party and then cook dinner for the families there in the house.

I also have special ties with the Ronald McDonald House, as I was one of the first families to stay there when it opened back in January 2015 and have had several stays since. This is my way of giving back to the Ronald McDonald House. I also serve on the Community Advisory Board, as well as a mentor for the Teen Advisory Board. The staff is thrilled to be able to do this for this holiday season and look forward to it being a memorable experience.

Dancers rehearse for the State Street Dance Studio production of "The Fox Valley Nutcracker." COURTESY OF ISABELLA LEE
Dancers rehearse for the State Street Dance Studio production of "The Fox Valley Nutcracker." COURTESY OF ISABELLA LEE
State Street Dance Studio will present "The Fox Valley Nutcracker" this weekend at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre. Courtesy of State Street Dance Studio ¬

If you go

What: "The Fox Valley Nutcracker," presented by State Street Dance Studio

When: 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29

Where: Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1201 Main St., Batavia

Tickets: $25-$35; $20-$30 for children 12 and younger; VIP seats, including photos with the characters after the show, $40

Details: (630) 937-8930 or <a href="http://www.foxvalleynutcracker.com">www.foxvalleynutcracker.com</a>

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.