New actors, classic ‘Nutcracker’

It is that time of the year again. Nutcracker season is in full swing, and this year marks the 15th anniversary of “The Nutcracker” performances in Milledgeville.

Amelia Pelton, director of dance, is the artistic director of “The Nutcracker” and founded the Georgia College Community Dance Program.

“My favorite part of doing the Nutcracker every year is getting to create new dances,” Pelton said. 

Kendyl Wade

This production includes several new features for this year’s performance. The Salsa Club will represent Latin America in the “Land of Sweet” and actresses who have formerly played the major role of Clara will be recognized onstage before the show.

“That is what I love about The Nutcracker,” Pelton said. “You can make it your own.”

Elizabeth Bryant, senior management major and dance minor, has been in “The Nutcracker” for four years. She will play the parts of a snow flake and Spanish and Chinese princesses in the upcoming performance.

“I am excited even though this will probably be my last ‘Nutcracker’ ever,” Bryant said. “It is another performance opportunity and with performing arts you love to be on stage.”

Bryant teaches ballet to 7 through 9-year-olds and choreographed two dances in the production: “Lamb Chops” and “Gum Drops.”

“At this point it is just making sure they know the choreography,” Bryant said. “We are pretty much ready.”

Choreography for the production started after Labor Day and finished by the end of October. The dancers practice two times a week and have occasional weekend rehearsals.

“Seventy-five percent of the ballet is new choreography every year to keep it fresh,” Pelton said. “I am already thinking ahead to next year.”

Corinne Przedpelski, junior early childhood education major and dance minor, has been in “The Nutcracker” performance for the past two years. She will dance the parts of the Snow Queen, an Indian and a soldier.

“All of the dancers and cast members have been working so hard to pull everything together,” Przedpelski said. “I think the hard work of all of the members involved in this performance will really come across when we light up the stage.”

Przedpelski also teaches tap classes for the dance program and choreographed the toy soldiers dance.

“It is so rewarding to see the students when they hit the stage and see the large audience,” Przedpelski said. “Because so many community members are involved, it really helps to share our love of dance with Milledgeville.”

“The Nutcracker” began in Milledgeville in 1997 with 40 dancers and only a portion of the ballet was performed. Today there are 230 dancers involved, including the GC cheerleaders, the Salsa Club and several professors.

“Amelia really involves the whole community in this performance,” Przedpelski said.

This 15th anniversary production will include a Sugar Plum Tea on Dec. 10. The lead dancers will be in full costume to sign autographs and sell decorated pointe shoes. It has been five years since the last tea was held.

“It is going to be a wonderful event,” Przedpelski said. “All of the soloists will be there to meet the members of the community.”

“The Nutcracker” performances will be in Russell Auditorium on Dec. 9 and Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. For information on how to purchase tickets for “The Nutcracker” and the Sugar Plum Tea, visit GCSUtickets.com.

Posted by Julia Richardson on Dec 1 2011. Filed under Features. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.