The holidays are right around the corner and it just wouldn’t be the holidays without the timeless ballet, “The Nutcracker.”
South Jersey Ballet Theatre is no exception in putting on this classic performance each year.
For years, under the direction of Artistic Director Andrea Duffin, SJBT has astonished the public with beautiful dancers and majestic choreography that captivates
minds and hearts.
In December many young South Jersey dancers will participate in this classic ballet.
The dancers have been hard at work rehearsing since their auditions in August.
The female lead roles of “The Nutcracker” are performed by Senior Company members and with weekend rehearsals and several dance classes during the week, these girls are dedicated to perfecting their parts.
Despite the significant time commitment and hard work, the young dancers love SJBT’s “The Nutcracker” and continue to participate year after year after year.
It becomes more than just an activity; they develop strong friendships, they are always excited to perform on stage and they dream of the roles they may one day have.
For three dancers, the night will have an extra meaning as their time on stage of this spectacular production comes to an end. For seniors, Lena Barone, Guinevere Pepe and Amanda Valentino this will be their final performance.
Guinevere and Lena, seniors of Cherokee High School, have been participating in The Nutcracker since the age of 5. It will be their 12th and final year with SJBT.
“Performing in The Nutcracker has been such an amazing experience. I am happy that it has been such a big part of my life.” said Pepe, who has been cast as the Dew Drop Fairy.
Barone, who started as a mouse, will be playing the lead as Clara.
“I have had experiences and made memories that will last me a lifetime,” Barone said. “I will always look back and see how much happiness it brought to me during the holiday season each year!”
For Valentino, this will be her final performance as the Sugarplum Fairy before pursuing a professional career in ballet.
“Dancing at South Jersey Ballet has provided me with so many opportunities,” Valentino said. “I am sad that this will be my last year performing with all the wonderful girls.
Four performances of “The Nutcracker” will take place on Friday, Dec. 18 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 19 at 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 20 at 2:30 p.m. at the Voorhees Middle School located on 1000 Holly Oak Drive.
For ticket information visit www.southjerseyballet.com or call SJBT’s box office at (856) 309–8282.
