The Nutcracker returns in its first full production

since the pandemic

By River Powers, Reporter

This December, Vashon Center for the Arts brought back a decades-long island tradition when 70 dancers took to the stage to bring the Nutcracker to life. After a smaller performance last year and none at all in 2020, audience members and dancers alike were happy to see a full stage production again.

This made for an even more special show for dancers and audience members alike.

“[This] year feels completely different because we all really got closer dancing together over quarantine. Now that we can have everyone back, it feels really exciting to be a part of such an important performance,” freshman dancer Grace Harvey, who played Clara, said.

While the Nutcracker was enjoyable for the audience, it was also reportedly enjoyable for the performers as well.

“Performing in the Nutcracker is one of the highlights of my year,” said principal dancer junior Sadie Choo.

“This year was particularly exciting because it was our first full studio nutcracker since the pandemic hit. We had a smaller production with only two shows in 2021, so getting to see the entire studio community come together to create the full production was really special,” said junior Ella Strong, another principal dancer.

High school dancers weren’t the only ones who enjoyed performing, however.

“[T]his year was all in, everybody was doing it, all the younger kids, and that really made it kind of special this year because we were able to go all out,” Strong said.

The dancers are a close-knit and encouraging community. Performers can watch their friends on a monitor backstage when not dancing. “That’s always really fun because you can get kind of emotional watching like your friends that you’ve grown up with, you know, get these really awesome roles and act their hearts out, dance their hearts out.” Strong said.
Choo echoed this sentiment.

“I really can’t express how much this production has been a part of my life,” Choo said.

While the performers are the most visible, we shouldn’t forget the contributions of the stage crew, as the ballet wouldn’t be able to exist without them.

“I’d like to thank all the backstage staff. They do a really good job with the costumes and that’s what really kind of brings
the show together too,” Strong said.

Although the Nutcracker is performed every year, Vashon Center for the Arts has other performances in the works.

“The VCA also hosts “Original Works” (a production dedicated to student, teacher and guest choreographers) and our annual spring production which changes every year,” said Choo.