More Fun Facts About Sunday's Nutcracker Ballet from Wilton Dance Studio

Secrets of Making a Magical Holiday Ballet

Time-honored traditions like the Nutcracker endure because they bring together a community of dancers and others who share their talents with the production. The Wilton Dance Studio version of the ballet, in two acts, follows the traditional story of Clara and her Nutcracker prince from E.T.A. Hoffman's The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, with music by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Beautiful sets, costumes and dancing are a hallmark of Wilton Dance Studio's performance. Here's some of how that's done:

A few more fun facts about this Sunday's performance

• Lavish scenery to set the stage: Each year, Wilton Dance Studio continues its tradition of inviting the community to enjoy the ballet in a family-friendly, but still elegant, format. Scenery is provided by Mark Froehlich of J.Galt Design, a nationally recognized theatrical backdrop company.  

• Beautiful costumes to transform local students, parents and friends of the studio into beloved Nutcracker characters: Costumes bring drama and a sense of grandeur to any ballet performance, adding a special touch to each scene. Wilton Dance Studio’s Artistic Director Brenda Froehlich creates the costumes and overall production concepts. This year, new period costumes for the opening party scene have been added, with rich colors and shining fabrics. The Snow Queen and Dew Drop fairies will be dressed in sparkly new tutus. The Nutcracker himself will be donning a brand new head that will make its debut in this year’s performance.

• Dancers of all ages and levels, including guest professionals, work together to make a magical performance: This year, along with the dedicated students of Wilton Dance Studio, a visiting professional dancer will share the stage.  “Every year, we’re so proud of the dedication our dancers show to putting on a memorable performance, A beautiful ballet like the Nutcracker depends on each person in it lending their own sparkle, but it takes lots and lots of practice, starting in September, to bring it to life.” said Mrs. Froehlich. Principals in this year’s production from Wilton include Emma Driver as Clara, Wesley Clapp as the Nutcracker Prince, and many others. Also joining this production of The Nutcracker is world-renowned guest principal dancer Abraham Miha. Miha has danced nationally and internationally as a soloist and principal dancer with such companies as Ballet Arizona, Hartford Ballet, Dance Theatre of Harlem and many others. The 2012 Nutcracker production marks his second appearance with Wilton Dance Studio as the Sugar Plum Cavalier.  Choreography is by Mrs. Froehlich and Wilton Dance Studio Instructor and Choreographer Debra MacDonald.   

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. Stay tuned for news about the Nutcracker as we count down to Sunday's show.