By TRAVINA COLEMAN
Sugar plum fairies were dancing in the spotlight Monday night, and these weren’t the visions in the dream montage from the beloved Christmas poem.
The dancers at the Tahlequah High School Performing Arts Center were physical and real – exuberant youngsters embarking decked out in costumes and slippers, radiating excitement as they prepared for this weekend’s performance of “The Nutcracker.”
Dress rehearsals for the third annual production had all the dancers, big and small, twirling, leaping and en pointe.
Joyce Harrold brought her 7-year-old granddaughter, Caitlyn, to the rehearsal.
“I have always loved this ballet,” Harrold said. “It’s a pleasure watching Caitlyn enjoying this so much; she practices very hard.”
She and several other ballerinas were decked out in their tights, waiting for their cues to practice their moves.
The Tahlequah Ballet Company is staging the holiday classic, and with a bit of a twist this year.
In an earlier Daily Press Report, Kim Huffman, owner of On Your Toes and artistic director for the Tahlequah Ballet Company talked about changes to previous performances.
“There are many versions of ‘The Nutcracker,’ but we have expanded scenes and expanded cast,” said Huffman. “We have a brand-new set being shipped from California, and brand-new costumes, too.”
Harrold said the “twist” is just fine with her.
“It’s always interesting to see what one person’s vision is,” she said.
“And it makes it better to see a classic changed a little. I am sure the feel will be there.”
Huffman said the second act isn’t the “land of sweets” segment anymore.
“We changed it a little bit,” she said.
“It’s now the land of peace and harmony, and the children aren’t candy anymore; they are the children of the world, dressed in their traditional costumes. The whole production is much more colorful and whimsical, and of course, the dancing will also be better because they have had one more year of training.”
One of the many familiar faces will be Grace Chanslor, student of the Tulsa Ballet Company, in her role as the Dew Drop Fairy. Phoebe Huffman will be playing the role of the Dove of Peace.
“It’s a brand-new role for the production,” Huffman said.
Ayaka Ishii, a student from Northeastern State University, will be performing as the French Soloist, according to Huffman.
“We have a very large cast this year,” she said.
“We have about 80 roles, and some of those are double- and triple-cast. So we have more than 100 people performing.”
Kristene Watson is the director of the production, and Lena Gladkova-Huffman is assistant director.
“They have a lot on their shoulders,” Huffman said. “I just set the tone, and they have to bring it to life.”
Gladkova-Huffman is a professionally trained Russian dancer.
“She has 16 years of experience as a dancer,” she said.
“We will have a very diverse production. I am very excited about it.”
This year, two Claras will take the stage.
Elizabeth Randall will fill the role for the Saturday evening performance, and Natalie Walker will be Clara for Sunday’s show.
