The lights dim, you hear the hum of classical music ring in your ears, the curtains open, and the show begins.
A classic Christmas tradition all over the world is performed right under your nose by Dancer’s Pointe Studio here in Winchester. For the 17th year, Dancer’s Pointe Nutcracker is here to keep spirits bright.
Premiering in Western Countries since the 1940s, The Nutcracker has made its way to Winchester, and has become a standing tradition at one of our beloved hometown dance studios.
“Nutcracker has been a part of Dancers Pointe since the very beginning,” says senior Caroline Harper. “It is one of the most defining and exciting features of the studio. Each year we prepare for months on end in order to uphold the very high standard of our previous shows.”
In mid-December, Dancer’s Pointe wowed thousands at the GRC Theater with its production of the ballet.
Winchester’s support is the backbone behind the performance every year, says Owner and Artistic Director Danielle Bridgewater.
“The community support fuels everything we do,” says Mrs. Bridgewater. “Knowing that so many people eagerly anticipate and attend the show each year motivates us to make every detail as special as possible. We see the Nutcracker as more than just a performance – it’s a gift to the community. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that our dancers are part of something that brings joy and unity to so many.”
The studio focuses on the portrayal of the original tradition of The Nutcracker, but also the individuality of the dancers and the community of Winchester.
“It’s a production that not only celebrates the beauty of classical ballet but also gives our dancers the chance to grow artistically, build lifelong memories, and bring joy to the community,” says Mrs. Bridgewater.
The dancers express overflowing gratitude and excitement over the love from the community.
“The support from the community is so rewarding,” says senior Sydney Antoniou. “It reminds us that we put in all this hard work for a reason and that it pays off. We really appreciate the encouragement from people who want to come watch year after year.”
The dancers especially love performing for younger students each year at the school shows.
“Whenever the schools come and watch it, the kids always have loud verbal reactions to the different characters,” says senior Abby Crase. “It gives us that extra boost of adrenaline to make the show ten times better.”
So much feeds into the strive of the dancers and instructors each and every year, but the ability of the studio to make the show new and even more exciting year after year pushes their passion even further.
“Even though it’s the same show, it’s completely different each year,” says senior Meredith Boone. “I always love seeing what new things they bring and how they switch it up every year.”
From toddlers to level 7, the roles in the show vary and senior Olivia Brownlee demonstrates the difference it makes continuing to be a changing part of the show. “One of the fun things about doing the show every year is you get different roles,” she says. “Each role has a specific character development that adheres and adds to the show as a whole.”
One of the most anticipated parts each year is without a doubt the costumes. The audience, the dancers, and instructors all look forward to this key ingredient of the show for every new year.
“This year something really special about the costumes that I noticed is how colorful they are,” says Boone. “They mess around with different color schemes every year but this year they were so colorful and beautiful and they were very detailed. I was really excited for everyone to come watch and see because they are some of the best costumes we’ve ever had.”
Mrs. Bridgewater says the costumes “are an integral part of what makes The Nutcracker so enchanting. We put tremendous care into making sure the costumes reflect the magic of the production while allowing the dancers to move and perform with confidence.”
The magic of the costumes, talent, and preparation leading up to the performance weekend deserves endless recognition. The dancers and instructors work tirelessly to certainly give us a gem of a show.
Their hard work and dedication truly pays off leading all the way up to the final bow.
“Each year brings new challenges, creative opportunities, and fresh faces to the stage, which makes every season feel like a new adventure,” says Mrs. Bridgewater. “Plus, seeing the audience’s wonder and delight reminds me why this story is so timeless.”