The Nutcracker: A classic holiday show

VCA Center for Dance students will perform the holiday classic, “The Nutcracker” this weekend on the Kay White stage.

Dancing snowflakes, mischievous mice, waltzing flowers, toy soldiers, a nutcracker prince and sugar plum fairy all come to life in the magical dreams of a young girl, Clara. For the young cast, the annual production is an important marker in their dreams to be dancers.

Vadne Domeika, Director of Dance, explained that while The Nutcracker is a beloved ballet seen by millions every year, to the dancers “it is also an annual measurement of personal achievement. They begin as a mouse and aspire to someday dance the lead roles. It becomes a large part of their lives as they progress in their dance training.”

This year, the role of Sugar Plum Fairy will be shared by Vashon High School seniors Grace Derrer and Kelsey Morrison.

“Kelsey has the beautiful long lines and charm of traditional classical ballet dancers,” Domeika said. “Grace is regal, dynamic and sprightly, like today’s contemporary ballet dancers. Both are gorgeous and bring different aesthetics to the role.”

Duncan Barlow will return as the Cavalier, and the role of Clara will be danced by Catherine Ellison and Audrey Shirk. Gus Holmes will once again be the Nutcracker Prince.

Updates to the show include new choreography by Domeika, Crissy Baker, Kathleen Bonner and Vanesa Wiley; the return of the ornate Victorian living room, the snow scene and Land of Sweets — first seen on stage last year and designed by architect Robert Wright; and new costumes by Kate Guinee and Gail Nispel

The dress rehearsal runs at 5:30 p.m. Thursday Dec. 7. Tickets are $5.

The show runs at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and both 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are sold at vashoncenterforthearts.com and at the door.