Local youth join pros for ‘Nutcracker’ ballet

For many young dancers, it’s a dream to perform in the holiday classic “The Nutcracker”.  This dream has come true for local youth dancers thanks to the Classical Arts Entertainment’s We Dance program.

The We Dance program offers young dancers the opportunity to perform alongside an international ballet touring company, creating an educational and artistic experience. Local participants will join on stage, bringing an extra touch of community spirit to this holiday tradition. A total of 39 dancers between the ages of five and seventeen were selected through an audition to perform in the upcoming show.

Leading rehearsals for the young dancers is Memorial Auditorium and Convention Center’s very own General Manager Darcie Shultz.

“I am so proud of our talented local dancers who auditioned and were selected to perform alongside the professional cast in Classical Arts production of The Nutcracker,” Shultz said. “These young performers have been working hard, and we can’t wait for you to see them shine on stage.”

Want to see the show?

“The Nutcracker” will have only one performance which is set for 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12 at the auditorium, located at 503 N. Pine, Pittsburg, KS.

Audiences can look forward to stunning costumes, dazzling choreography, and Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score as Clara, the Nutcracker Prince, and the Sugar Plum Fairy transport viewers into a world of wonder and imagination.

Reserved seating for The Nutcracker is available through the Memorial Auditorium Box Office or online on the auditorium’s website.

The Dancers

Angels – Blayke Andrews, Kennedy Bingham, Hadlee Conrad, Denali Dillon, Octavia Dillon, Logan Eastwood, Gracelynn Gleason, Clara Hoffman, McKayla Kmiec, Whittley Kunce, Collins Long, Kinsley Pfeffer, Karaleana Poznich, Rylinn Pross, Freya Runyon, Harper Simons, Nora Snavely, Evangeline Vanderpool, Ridley Vaughn, and Nova Wilcox.

Bon Bons – Blayke Andrews, Kennedy Bingham, Hadlee Conrad, Gentry Crockett, Melanie Crews, Denali Dillon, Logan Eastwood, Gracelynn Gleason, Clara Hoffman, Natalie Helton, Evelyn Jung, Joselyn Kunce, Kaliyah Maiseroulle, Nora Malin, Finley O’Ferrell, Willa Patterson, Kinsley Pfeffer, Karaleana Poznich, Alexzandria Poznich, Nora Snavely, Brynna Thornburg, Evangeline Vanderpool, and Nova Wilcox.

Party Scene – Claire Bastings, Melanie Crews, Gentry Crockett, Boston Encarnacion, Olivia Franklin, Gracelynn Gleason, Natalie Helton, Evelyn Jung, Joselyn Kunce, Nora Malin, Kaliyah Maiseroulle, Scarlett McCullough, Vivienne McCullough, Bristol Michael, Ellie Murphy, Aubree Murphy, Finley O’Ferrell, Willa Patterson, Kinsley Pfeffer, Alexzandria Poznich, and Brynna Thornburg.

Chinese – Claire Bastings, Boston Encarnacion, Vivienne McCullough, Scarlett McCullough, Bristol Michael, Aubree Murphy, and Ellie Murphy.