When the weather begins to feel chilly and the days get shorter, dancers around the world are hard at work preparing to deliver Nutcracker magic.
On December 2 and 3, 2023, the Dance Foundation of Maryland and Morton Street Dance Center will present The Nutcracker at Chesapeake Arts Center. With a diverse cast of 50 dancers—from the tiniest Christmas tree angels to professional dancers in leading roles—this sparkling production is full of magic, spectacle, and holiday spirit.
Full Circle Dance Company member Audrey Martin has been cast as the Sugar Plum Fairy, partnered by Stephaen Jackson-Hood. Martin, who trained at the Joffrey Ballet and performed with Ballet Theatre of Maryland before joining Full Circle, says: “Sugar Plum has been a dream role of mine since I was a little girl. It is a lot of work, and I couldn’t be happier. The music makes my heart soar, and it just makes me smile when I am dancing.”
For younger dancers in training, Nutcracker offers both challenges and opportunities to shine. 11-year old Laila, who leads a swirling Chinese dragon in Act II, says: “It is exciting but a little stressful. I have to enter in silence and start dancing the moment the music starts.” She also dances in the Act I party scene. “Those dances are really interesting,” she says, “because there is a lot of partnering. You really have to work well with your partner.”
Morton Street Dance Center students Edith, 12, and Zoe, 10, will alternate in the dream role of Marie Clara, the child heroine at the center of the Nutcracker story. Both dancers enjoy the extensive acting and improvisation that is central to the role. Edith’s goal is that the performance “brings happiness to everyone who sees it.” Asked if being in nutcracker required a lot of sacrifice, she said, “It is a lot of rehearsals, but that’s what makes a great show!”
Dance Foundation of Maryland and Morton Street Dance Center Present:
The Nutcracker
Saturday, December 2 at 7:00 pm
Sunday, December 3 at 2:00 pm
Chesapeake Arts Center
194 Hammonds Lane
Brooklyn Park, MD 21225
Information and link to tickets:
Questions: 410-235-9003
Direct Ticket Purchase Link:
