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Sussex Dance Academy presents ‘The Nutcracker’

Caitlin Goodhue, 14, of Milton dances as Clara in the party scene of “The Nutcracker.” DAN COOK PHOTOS
Dan Cook
December 12, 2025

Sussex Dance Academy presented its 22nd annual production of the holiday classic, “The Nutcracker,” Dec. 6-7 at Cape Henlopen High School in Lewes.

Under the direction of Katie Downes Walker, the academy performed two shows over the weekend and delighted audiences of all ages.

“The Nutcracker” is a beloved Christmas ballet in which young Clara receives a magical nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve. The doll comes to life, battles the evil Mouse King, and leads Clara on a whimsical journey through a snowy forest to the enchanting Land of the Sweets. There she meets the Sugar Plum Fairy and witnesses a series of dazzling treats and dances from around the world. In the end, Clara awakens left to wonder if her adventure was simply a dream or something more magical.

“This year’s ‘Nutcracker’ shows what young people can accomplish together,” said Downes Walker. “With local students from elementary through high school, and just a few adult cast members, they created a beautiful holiday tradition, and we hope to keep this tradition alive.”

 

Fritz portrayed by Lincoln Fyock, 13, of Lewes dances in the party scene.
Olivia Conaway, 17, of Selbyville, as Frau Stahlbaum, dances with the maids Lannah O’Day, left, and Barbara Kissel.
Dancing in the opening party scene are (l-r) Madeline Roch-Dornisch, Summer Fusco, Kole Loftin, Olivia Conaway, Caitlin Goodhue, Emma Randazzo, Lorilyn O’Day and Sienna Smith.
Dancing after the party scene are (l-r) Helena Zimmer, Kole Loftin, Olivia Conaway, Caitlin Goodhue and Emma Randazzo.
Herr Drosselmeyer was portrayed by Braeden Swain.
The Columbine Doll, portrayed by Addison Manley of Lewes, entertains the children at the party.
Addison Manley, 15, of Lewes dances as the Columbine Doll.
Clara receives the gift of the nutcracker doll as the envious party girls look on.
The party scene girls dance with Clara and the nutcracker.
Mice ready themselves to steal the nutcracker.
Vivian Oswald as lead mouse steals the nutcracker doll from Clara.
Mice take on the soldiers in the battle scene.
The Nutcracker, portrayed by Lannah O’Day, 14, of Georgetown lifts Clara in the battle scene.
The Nutcracker, portrayed by Lannah O’Day, battles the Mouse King, portrayed by Emma Randazzo.
Barbara Kissell, 14, of Lewes dances as the Snow Queen in the Land of Snow with guest artist Kole Loftin.
Barbara Kissell, 14, of Lewes dances as the Snow Queen in the Land of Snow with guest artist Kole Loftin.
The Arabian coffee lead dancer is portrayed by Helena Zimmer, 16, of Lewes.
The Russian Trepak dancers perform in the Land of the Sweets. Shown are (l-r) Catarina Maggitti, Claire Ruggiero, Florence Monroe-Brown, Quinn Walls, Lincoln Fyock, Kellen Oswald, Ella Martin, Noelle Kuns and Anna Louden.
Lincoln Fyock leads the Russian Trepak dance.

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Dan has worked for the Cape Gazette for more than 30 years as a photographer and reporter, covering high school sports and happenings around eastern Sussex County. He won a photography award from the National Newspaper Association, and numerous awards from the Maryland, Delaware, D.C. Press Association. A Delaware native, Dan graduated from Cape in 1972 and returned as a teacher and coach in the 1980s. He retired from the classroom in 2016. He was inducted into Cape High’s Legends Stadium in 2016. In his spare time, Dan enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons, grandchildren and dogs. 

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