Young dancers dream about the chance to play Clara, the lucky girl who gets a magical Christmas gift in the Nutcracker ballet. This year in Wilton Dance Studio's December 9th performance, Clara will be brought to life on stage by Emma Driver, an 11-year-old 6th grader at Wilton's Middlebrook School who has been dancing since she was three years old. Emma shares her thoughts about the experience.
Emma Driver:
Performing in the Nutcracker Ballet is something I look forward to each fall. I have been in the Wilton Dance Studio Nutcracker production every year since I was three years old. My first role was a sheep! I wore a fluffy wool costume and jumped over a stick. Last year, I danced the part of Clara's brother Fritz. It was fun to be a mischievous little brother, and I made the audience laugh.
When I found out I was going to dance the role of Clara this year, I was both excited and nervous because it's a lead role. I think my friends were as excited as I was. When I saw the name "Clara" next to my name on the cast list, they all gave me a giant group hug. It felt really good. This year as Clara, I get to do a lot of dancing and acting. I wear three beautiful dresses and a sparkly crown. I also get to partner with Drosselmeyer and the Nutcracker Prince. We have had a lot of very long rehearsals, but I love spending so much time dancing with my friends.
All the hard work is worth it. My favorite moment is right before the show begins. It is so exciting when you hear the music start, see the scenery in place, and know the curtain is about to go up. It's a good feeling, and I always think, "I can't believe it's really here!"
The Wilton Dance Studio production of The Nutcracker will be on Sunday, December 9, 2012 at 1 and 4:30 p.m. at Wilton High School’s Clune Performing Arts Center. To buy tickets, call 203-544-9007 and leave a message or visit www.wiltondance.com and click on the link in the center of the home page to download & print the ticket order form and fax it to the school at 203-544-8820. Tickets are also available at the door on the day of the show.
