'Nutcracker' Ballet Occupies Students During Holidays

by Carissa Hernandes & Amy Kenyon
12.20.07

A hush came over the crowd when the lights dimmed. The audience was mesmerized as the orchestra played“The Nutcracker Suite.” They watched as the story unfolded in front of them. They oohed and aahed as the performers danced across the stage.

The audience only got to see the final product, but hard work and dedication was needed from everyone involved.

The Omaha Theater Company once again put on a production of “The Nutcracker” at the Orpheum Theater. Local performers were encouraged to participate.

To start the process, auditions were held. Anyone older than 5 was allowed to try-out. “We were put into groups of four and given a small section of choreography,” freshman Kristen Chuvala said. “Then we performed it for some other people.”

Chuvala and freshman Katie Sanderson both were chosen to play mice. Chuvala was also a Matryoshka doll.

After the cast was announced, the practices began. Dancers not only had to know their own part but also what was happening with the rest of the scene.

“Usually you wait around for an hour and then you do your part in 10 minutes,” Sanderson said.

On the night of a performance, the dancers had to be there an hour and a half before their act started.

Their hair, make-up and costumes had to be ready. If not, then the results were disastrous.

“I was sitting in the dressing room and one of the soldiers ran in, grabbed a hat and ran out,” Chuvala said. “Everyone was running around looking for it two minutes before the soldier had to go on.”

Performances began Wednesday, Nov. 28. They consisted of six public and three school productions. Many dancers only had to perform in certain shows because the producers had chosen to have two casts. Others weren’t so lucky.

“I was in both casts so I had to be a part of all of them,” Chuvala said.

All of the hard work paid off in the end. Some dancers enjoy it so much they have done it multiple times.

“I’ve been in it for seven years,” Sanderson said.
Parents were also involved. Sanderson said that her younger sister has danced with her and her parents work as ushers at the Orpheum.

“It’s a fun thing that has kind of become a mini-tradition for the people in my family,” Sanderson said.

“The Nutcracker”has become a tradition in some families and in this city. Every year performers and dancers put time and effort into making it a success.

photo courtesy of Katie Sanderson