Sometimes something familiar can all too easily slip in our perceptions to become merely ordinary, but in the case of the Southwest Virginia Ballet’s upcoming “Nutcracker” performances, the best description would have to be EXTRA-ordinary.
From the moment the performance begins to take shape in Artistic Director Pedro Szalay’s mind, the energy builds toward the day when everything finally comes together for the much-anticipated larger-than-life Ballet. That day is upon us as “The Nutcracker” will have shows on Friday December 11 at 7 p.m. and Saturday December 12 at 3 p.m. at the Roanoke Performing Arts Theatre.
The story behind the performance is nearly as compelling as the performance itself. There is an ongoing commitment and passion that goes on behind the scenes for many months; in the case of things like specialized props, they have been researched, sought out, or custom built over many years to achieve the perfect mix the set designers visualized.
For the performers, the commitment is huge, with rehearsals beginning in September and running through the December performances. The weekend rehearsals are all day Saturday and half of Sunday with some during the week. Mike Lawson, SVB Executive Director, did point out that the younger children do not have as rigorous a schedule; “Our 7-year-old reindeers start in late October, learning to prance / hold their heads up / wiggle … they are cute as can be!”
The young kids who audition are often following in the footsteps of older siblings. They go into the audition not knowing if they will be chosen, but they “find out that day – they get a letter to open with the news.”
Lawson is energized as he explains, “Each year, more than 100 people audition for the extra roles in The Nutcracker. Young or old, experienced or not, SVB is proud to say that [so far] we have been able to offer everyone a part. This effort is directed at fulfilling part of our mission … to make the performing arts available to all ages from all walks of life. There are no participation or costume fees to perform with SVB.”
He goes on to say there are some children “who have never danced or been on a stage before and they get to be onstage in The Nutcracker. It’s huge – it’s awesome!”
The sheer manpower behind the show is almost mind-boggling. According to Lawson, “there are 250 volunteer slots (50 – 100 people) that are needed to coordinate rehearsal week and the performances.” This covers such responsibilities as hair, make-up, and costumes. SVB does get some help from a professional lighting designer, Dirk Kuyk from Charlottesville, and this year we will have one guest artist, David Fonnegra, out of California who is dancing the part of the Prince.
The mission behind SVB is easily lost in its impressive performances and professional reputation, but they exist to promote the art of dancing to as many people as possible … for free. This includes everything the dancers need for a performance, as well as classes offered throughout the year. Lawson says, “Have you ever heard of free dance classes?”
The SVB’s main source of funding is the ticket sales from their performances; when people buy a ticket they are directly contributing to the dancers. While the revenue from ticket sales is needed, the SVB considers their performances to be “a gift to the community.”
Plan to attend one of Roanoke’s finest holiday traditions, “The Nutcracker,” and prepare to be “delighted as a Christmas tree grows to huge proportions, mice and soldiers battle, and waltzing Snowflakes whirl about amidst “real” falling snow…” and that’s just a glimpse of the fun. The icing on the cake – ticket proceeds will help ensure dancers can continue to learn and more audiences will be delighted again next year.
“The Nutcracker” cast of 160 represents more than 50 area schools from across the Greater Roanoke Valley and 15 area dance studios. For tickets, contact the Roanoke Performing Arts Theatre Box Office: 540.853.5483 or visit www.roanokeciviccenter.com
For more information on Southwest Virgina Ballet visit www.svballet.org