I have seen the Williamsport Civic Ballet Company's production of the Nutcracker for 3 years. The first year I was obligated; it was my daughter's first time dancing in it. Now I attend with a glad heart and encourage friends to go too and not to see my daughter. Though obviously I think it is brilliant each year, she has no major part and sometimes even I have a hard time picking her out on the stage. I go now because these kids are really good and a joy to watch.
Someone I know saw it for the first time this year and came to me at intermission and said, "This is wonderful! I really wasn't expecting much, because, you know but these guys are really good!" I overheard two women talking in the bathroom about how they never miss this show. Two of the ushers peppered me with questions about the dancers and the company. Afterwards, as I walked away, I heard one of them say, "I'm so glad I worked this show!"
These dancers, ages 8 to way older than you think, come from all over every Saturday for 3 months. That seems like a lot, but that's only 12 rehearsals to choreograph and rehearse an entire ballet! The addition of professional dancers, April Giangeruso and Roman Zhurbin, from the American Ballet Theater, provides our dancers with inspiration and confirmation that they are part of something really special. Performing at the amazing Community Arts Center is an experience, that most dancers probably won't fully appreciate until they are much older. The magic of our Nutcracker is really created through the hard work of the Enterline Family. Tom and Kay Enterline, "Mr. and Mrs. E", started the Company 50 years ago and have worked tirelessly all 50 of those years to keep it a vibrant part of the community. Their daughter, Alicia Little, works with the dancers, week in and week out, to help them develop as performers and individuals. The show wouldn't be what it is without her.
If you missed the Nutcracker at the Community Arts Center this year, I really encourage you to make it a point to attend in 2013. It's a show worth watching!
Marcey Nolan
Lewisburg
Submitted by Virtual Newsroom
