Christmas is generally considered a time of celebrating traditions, some of which go back hundreds of years. As families grow and evolve, their traditions often grow and evolve with them. Some traditions, however, have remained virtually unchanged for decades. An example of this is the Christmas ballet, the Nutcracker.
The Nutcracker dates all the way back to 1891, when the adaptation of the story was commissioned by the director of Moscow’s Imperial Theatres, Ivan Vsevolozhsky. The original story, written by E.T.A. Hoffman, was adapted by Alexandre Dumas Pere, set to music by Tchaikovsky, and choreographed by Marius Petipa. Since then, it has been performed by dance companies all over the globe, making it one of the world’s most popular and treasured Christmas traditions.
The Bonnie Haney School of Dance & Performing Company has been performing the Nutcracker for 28 years. There are several versions of the famous ballet, and the Haney School tells the story of a young girl named Clara, who has a fantastic dream after a Christmas party. She witnesses a struggle between her favorite toy, the Nutcracker, and the King of the Mice. The Nutcracker transforms into a handsome prince and takes Clara to the Land of Sweets where there are Spanish, Arabian, Chinese, Russian, Tarentella, Flutes, Flowers, and Sugar Plum dances and Madame Bon with her candies. Eventually, Clara awakens and realizes it was all just a dream.
The Nutcracker holds a special place in Bonnie’s heart. “It is just a wonderful story and the music is very expressive,” she explained. “It is so special; a fantastic treat for all ages.” Indeed, the Nutcracker is a story that combines childhood wonder, the power of imagination, and the beauty that is Christmas. For those lucky enough to be a part of it, the story becomes something different for each individual. The commonality, of course, is that the ballet is one that will leave a lasting impact on the hearts of young and old alike.
Isabella Skoblik has been performing in the Nutcracker for the past fourteen years. Considering Isabella is only a junior at Moorhead High School, it is safe to say that she has been a part of the ballet for nearly all her life. “I love the magical parts of it,” she explained. “Especially how she is in her dream and all the different dances that are shown.”
Isabella has aspirations of becoming a professional dancer, although she realizes that may be a long shot. For now, she is satisfied pushing herself within the dance company. “I’d love to keep being the best of the best in my studio,” she said.
In addition to dance, Isabella is also a talented figure skater. It is dance, however, that holds a special meaning, especially during this time of year. “Dancing is very relaxing for me because it isso graceful and it look effortless,” she said, before adding that, “it is really hard.” That difficulty is what keeps pushing dancers like Isabella, as does the chance to dazzle and amaze as part of the Nutcracker. “The performance is the most fun thing I look forward to every year,” she said. “It brings back memories of when I was little.”
Another dancer that has made the Nutcracker a part of his holiday tradition is Sebastian Skoblik. A junior at NDSU, where he is majoring in math and statistics, Sebastian has been performing in the ballet for the past five years. Although his history isn’t as lengthy as Isabella’s, his love for the Nutcracker is as strong. “I love the way it (the play) changes and you see so much variety,” he said. “It can bring out some points about how people think about their dreams.”
Sebastian is working towards a future in actuarial science, not dance. That doesn’t mean, however, that his love of the ballet is diminished. As a male, however, his participation has invited a variety of reactions based on stereotypes. “I’m a figure skater as well and there are stereotypes with that too,” he began. “We are in the 21st century and nobody should have a problem with it. People should be able to do what they do and have fun doing it without people being negative.” Despite the outdated stereotypes, Sebastian’s passion for dance is evident. For those that watch the upcoming performance of the Nutcracker, that passion and drive will be front and center.
The Bonnie Haney School of Dance & Performing Company will be performing the Nutcracker & Holiday Show on Friday, December 18th at 7:00pm and on Saturday, December 19th at 1:00pm at the West Fargo High School Auditorium. “It’s a delightful, palatable treat,” Bonnie remarked, adding that the performance includes over 350 costumes, three hand-painted backdrops, and a very busy, entertaining story.
Tickets for the performance are $24 for adults ($25 at the door) and $14 for students ($15 at the door). Tickets are available at the Bonnie Haney School of Dance office (3051 25th St. S. Suite S. in Fargo), Haney’s Photography (1610 Main St. in Moorhead), Wizards of Kids, the TJ Maxx Plaza, online at www.bonniehaneydance.com, or by calling 701-232-9900.
