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‘The Nutcracker’ is Sussex Ballet’s celebration of the season
With snow falling, the Snow Queen Olivia Conaway dances with Kole Loftin in the Land of Snow during Sussex Ballet’s performance of “The Nutcracker” Dec. 16 at Cape Henlopen High School auditorium. RON MACARTHUR PHOTOS
December 22, 2023
Sussex Ballet, based in Rehoboth Beach as part of Sussex Dance Academy, presented its 20th annual performance Dec. 16 of the classic “The Nutcracker.”
Some 60 dancers took part in the two shows at 2 and 7 p.m. in the Cape Henlopen High School auditorium.
“The Nutcracker,” set on Christmas Eve, was composed by Pyotor Ilyich Tchaikovsky in 1892. It has become one of the most widely performed ballets in the world, particularly in the United States.
Sussex Dance Academy was founded in 2002 and offers a variety of dance and ballet classes for all ages. Another highlight of the year is the annual spring dance showcase in June. Go to sussexdance.com for more information.
From left, young dancers Zelle Zimmer, Kinsey Volbrecht and Sofia Perniciaro prance across the stage during the opening of the “The Nutcracker.”
The Snow Queen portrayed by Olivia Conaway goes high up on her toes as she performs in the Land of Snow scene.
The Snowflakes dance in The Land of Snow as the white stuff begins to fall on the stage.
Clara, portrayed by Lorilyn O’Day, is the lead dancer and character in “The Nutcracker.” She dances at the family Christmas party, is presented with a nutcracker as gift, and falls asleep and has a series of dreams.
The Columbine Doll, portrayed by Summer Frusco, is wound up and ready to dance during the Stahlbaum’s Christmas party.
Members of the Stahlbaum family and friends perform a festive dance in the first scene of “The Nutcracker.”
Herr Drosselmeyer, portrayed by Braden Swain, presents the special gift of a nutcracker to his god daughter Clara, portrayed by Lorilyn O’Day.
Children dance around Clara, portrayed by Lorilyn O’Day, and her new present, The Nutcracker, during the opening Christmas party.
Herr Stahlbaum, portrayed by Kole Loftin, and Frau Stahlbaum, portrayed by Maddy Sickler, dance during their opening-scene Christmas party.
In her dreams, Clara, portrayed by Lorilyn O’Day, dances with the Nutcracker who later becomes a prince.
The entire Cape High stage is filled with fighting soldiers and mice as the Nutcracker takes on the Mouse King.
Claudia Walker, as The Nutcracker, leads her soldiers in a battle against the Mouse King, portrayed by Kimi Langoudi, and her legion of mice. The Nutcracker wins out.
Ballerinas, portraying the Snowflakes, take center stage in one of the most beautiful scenes in the production.
The Snowflakes fill the stage with grace in The Land of Snow.
