Share:
Sussex Ballet presents 19th annual Nutcracker
Dozens of Dance Academy members take part in traditional holiday classic
In her dream, Addison McIlvaine, as Clara, dances with a man-size Nutcracker just before the battle scene during Sussex Ballet’s 19th annual production of “The Nutcracker” Dec. 10-11. RON MACARTHUR PHOTOS
December 17, 2022
Sussex Dance Academy, home of Sussex Ballet, presented its 19th annual Nutcracker during three shows Dec. 10-11 on the Cape Henlopen High School stage. Dozens of dancers of all ages performed in the holiday classic.
Different dancers portrayed the same characters in the three shows, giving more members a chance to take part. Production credits go to Kate Downes Walker, artistic director; Morgan Zehner, director’s assistant; Alexis Brower, studio office manager; and Derek Dutton, Mid South Audio, technical support. The production was based on E.T.A. Hoffman’s “The Nutcracker and The Mouse King,” with music by Peter Tchaikovsky.
For more information on Sussex Dance Academy, based in Lewes, go to sussexdance.com or phone 302-645-7855.
As snow begins to fall, ballerinas dance in The Land of Snow.
The Cape Henlopen High School stage is full with Sussex Ballet dancers in the opening act of “The Nutcracker.”
Lorilyn O’Day, Claudia Walker and Helena Zimmer (l-r) dance in the party scene during the first act.
During the party scene, Claudia Walker, as Clara’s mother, hugs Addison McIlvaine, as Clara, and father Kole Loftin, right, straightens out Lea Jaoude’s (Fritz) coat collar.
Addison McIlvaine as Clara takes the stage on Dec. 11. Two other Claras, Olivia Conaway and Camilla Willis, danced the part in two previous shows over the weeked.
Olivia Conaway, as the Columbine Doll, prepares to dance for the party’s entertainment after getting wound up by her owner.
Sienna Smith, left, and Katie Riley perform as soldier dolls during the party scene.
Braeden Swain, as Herr Drosselmeyer, teases the children, including (l-r) Ainsley Rhodes and Priscilla Walker with the Nutcracker.
Clara, as portrayed by Addison McIlvaine, receives the gift of the Nutcracker, setting off a series of dreams.
Mouse Priscilla Walker, one among many, runs off with the Nutcracker as Clara sleeps.
The Mouse King challenges The Nutcracker to a duel as a battle between the toy soldiers and mice is pending.
A battle breaks out between toy soldiers and mice and The Nutcracker and Mouse King.
Stella Dutton with Kole Loftin dance in The Land of Snow in the third scene of the holiday classic.
In a dream sequence, Sussex Ballet dancers perform in The Land of Snow.
Addison McIlvaine, as Clara, steps out to dance with other ballerinas in The Land of Snow, one of the dream sequences in The Nutcracker.
