RALEIGH COUNTY, WV (WOAY) – Nutcracker, the beloved two-act Tchaikovsky ballet, is back to delight audiences this holiday season at Woodrow Wilson High School.
It follows the journey of a young girl who receives a nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve. She dreams it comes to life and leads her on a magical adventure — through the Land of Snow to the Sugarplum Fairy’s enchanting Land of Sweets.
“I wanted our people to be able to see what the world sees,” said Beckley Dance Theater Artistic Director Jerry Rose. “And so we have a world-class production of the Nutcracker here.”
The theater feels like home.
“Every time I come here, I feel like I never left. I really like it here in Beckley, and they have a great Nutcracker here, too,” Renowned Ballet Dancer Brian Murphy said.
Professional Ballet dancer Arianna Wade (who plays Clara) calls the Nutcracker one of the most beautiful things one can be a part of and an amazing thing to come and watch.
“I danced at another studio for about ten years, and I felt that Mr. Rose’s studio was just very professional and was going to push me to be a better dancer,” said Wade. “And it was going to make me be a part of something great.”
According to Rose, he launched Nutcracker in 1989, with one of his principal dancers from the New York City Ballet, and they’ve been performing it ever since.
“We bring stars who are familiar with the goings on of the cultural world in London and Paris, as well as Beckley and Sutton, West Virginia, or anyplace else,” the artistic director said.
Being part of the Nutcracker in Beckley for the past 22 years has brought joy to Murphy’s heart.
“Every year, I see these young dancers learn new roles,” said the acclaimed ballet dancer. “It’s kind of cool, and then the audience gets to experience as much as they do.”
The Nutcracker and Rose have had such an impact on Wade; dance will always be a part of her life.
“Try and either make a college dance team next year or be a part of a dance program, maybe major or minor in dance, and then obviously come back and watch all of his performances as much as possible,” the professional ballet dancer said.
Rose is beaming with pride for all his dancers in this production of The Nutcracker.
“I’m enormously proud. It’s such a grueling experience for people who are not used to hard work,” said the artistic director. “Our students understand that and have become extreme professionals. They do everything except receive the money. And someday they will.”
IF YOU WANT TO GO
Friday, Dec. 5 and 6 | 7:30 pm
Saturday, Dec. 7 | Matinee at 2:30 p.m.
Woodrow Wilson High School Auditorium
Tickets: Available at the door
* The ensemble is also performing at The Greenbrier Resort on December 29 and 30.
