Father and daughter share bond over dance as they perform in South Jersey Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker”
Cherry Hill resident Eric Rovner has joined his daughter, Alexis, as part of the cast in “The Nutcracker” for the past three years.
Dozens of families share holiday traditions such as gift giving, house decorating or watching holiday movies during December.
Cherry Hill father Eric Rovner and his daughter, Alexis, share a holiday tradition unlike most others. The two perform in South Jersey Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker.”
For the pair, “The Nutcracker” is more than just a show; it’s a shared experience where Alexis has had the chance to bond with her father.
Alexis, a third grader at Bret Harte Elementary School, first performed in “The Nutcracker” in 2013. Originally, Alexis played a mouse. Today, her roles include a mouse and an angel.
“The first year I was a little nervous in the beginning, but now I’m really confident,” Alexis said.
Watching from the audience in 2013 was Eric, who saw his daughter having fun on stage and noticed there were quite a few adults participating in the show. He thought about joining his daughter on stage.
The next year, Eric got the opportunity to join the cast, playing one of the fathers in the show’s party scene. Before he committed to the role, however, he had to speak with Alexis.
“This is her time,” Eric said. “This is her show. I wanted to make sure I wasn’t stealing any thunder from her.”
“I had to ask Alexis first,” Eric continued. “When I asked her if I could be in the show, her face just lit up.”
For the past three years, Eric and Alexis have both performed in the show. Though they perform in different parts of the ballet, the time spent together in rehearsals and during the performances have allowed them to share a common bond.
Alexis said having her dad perform in the show has made it so much more enjoyable.
“Sometimes, I even get to watch him,” Alexis said.
“The one thing that’s really neat is for the first couple years I’ve done it, when I’m coming off stage, she’s coming on stage,” Eric said. “It’s been really fun.”
Alexis is in her fourth year performing in “The Nutcracker.” A student at South Jersey Ballet School since the age of 3, Alexis has developed a love of dancing and theater. She’s performed in multiple theatrical productions and dance recitals.
After starting as just a mouse, Alexis got the additional role of playing an angel in the show. The added responsibility hasn’t fazed Alexis one bit, as she’s able to memorize each scene easily.
“They’re different,” Alexis said. “I know them both by heart.”
Alexis’ favorite part of the show involves the scene where she performs as an angel.
“I like in the angel dance, when we go on stage, it looks like we’re flying,” Alexis said.
As enjoyable as the ballet is for Eric and Alexis, it’s not always easy. Eric began performing in the show with little experience in dancing or acting.
“It’s not as easy as it looks from the audience,” Eric said. “It took me a good month to feel comfortable with everything. It looks pretty easy from where you’re seated. But there’s a lot to remember.”
Despite these challenges, Eric said he has gotten used to his role and looks forward to each December, when South Jersey Ballet puts on the show.
“I missed my calling,” Eric said. “I have such a fun time when I do it.”
The South Jersey Ballet Theatre’s production of “The Nutcracker” will be performed on Dec. 16, 17 and 18 at Voorhees Middle School. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 16, 1 and 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 17 and 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 18. Tickets are $22 for adults and $18 for seniors or children. To purchase tickets, call (856) 222–2849 or visit www.southjerseyballet.com.
