Celebrating the Season: BYDE's 22nd Production of The Nutcracker

Barrington, IL, December 2016 –– The Barrington Youth Dance Ensemble (BYDE) performed its 22nd annual production of The Nutcracker at the Richard C. Johnson Auditorium in the Barrington High School December 2nd-4th, staged by Gregory Merriman and directed by BYDE’s Founder and Artistic Director Mary Brennan. Almost 2,000 ballet enthusiasts delighted in one of the Barrington area’s most loved holiday traditions. Underwritten by the Barrington Area Community Foundation and individual donors, the first act of The Nutcracker underwent major new construction including a brand new glittering sleigh to transport Clara into the land of snow, and an all new workshop in which Drosselmeyer works his magic. The hallmark of BYDE’s Nutcracker each year is the stunning dancing by student performers, BYDE company members, and world-class professional guest artists. The production’s familiar holiday score and festive scenes captivated audience members young and old.

Set to the score of Tchaikovsky, the audience was lost in the story of Clara’s magical gift, an exciting battle between soldiers and mice, and the dreamy Land of Sweets. Acclaimed guest artists from National and Chicago regional dance companies performed lead soloist roles. Anna Porter Wilkes-Davis and Journy Wilkes-Davis, free-lance artists based in South Carolina, guest starred for the first time with BYDE as the Sugar Plum Fairy & Cavalier, and wowed audiences with their spectacular performances. Also taking the stage were 90 student dancers from BYDE, the Barrington Dance Academy and other local dance studios in the Northwest Chicago suburbs. Sasha Rice (Lake Barrington) & Elizabeth Yen (Deer Park) shared the role of Clara, the story’s heroine. Other featured BYDE company members were Lana Homola (Barrington) & Caleigh Meehan (Fox River Grove) who shared the role of the Columbine Doll, and Sailor Streeter (Barrington) & Stephanie Eggers (Kildeer) who performed as the sparkling Snow Queen; these dancers were partnered by professional guest artist Simon Sliva of Miami, FL. Kate Buckingham (Rolling Meadows) & Eliza Seagirst (Lake Barrington) shared the roles of the elegant Fairy Angel and fiery Spanish Chocolate, the latter was performed along with professional guest artist Adam Houston (Giordano Dance Chicago). Alexandra Skopek (Barrington Hills) and Victoria Van Hollen (Lake Barrington) shared the role of the graceful Dew Drop fairy.

“The Barrington Youth Dance Ensemble’s Nutcracker performance is a Barrington holiday tradition. Each year the production has become an annual must-see for children and adults alike. The choreography, the set, the music, and the costumes are sure to delight and prepare everyone for the holiday season. Thank you to all of the dancers, volunteers, donors, staff, and loyal audience members who made it another successful production,” says Mary Brennan, Founder and Artistic Director of BYDE.

Following BYDE’s production of the Nutcracker, local young dance enthusiasts enjoyed a fairy-tale evening at Clara’s Tea Party, held on December 16th at Barrington Dance Academy. The youngsters adored meeting and dancing with Clara and her friends from The Nutcracker, and also enjoyed a festive holiday tea, complete with treats straight from the Land of Sweets.

BYDE is dedicated to presenting the highest level of classical ballet and dance to Barrington area audiences. Students are coached by professional dance artists, and are exposed to the highest caliber set, lighting, costume, and production crews during The Nutcracker and all BYDE performances.

Save the Date for BYDE’s Spring Production, the comedic ballet Coppelia. The spectacular production will take place June 9th & 10th at Barrington High School Auditorium. Local students are invited to become part of the magic by enrolling in Barrington Dance Academy’s winter class term.

About BYDE

Barrington Youth Dance Ensemble (BYDE) is a 501©3 non-profit charitable arts organization that promotes artistic integrity, involvement, and awareness through exceptional dance training and performance in the Chicagoland area. For more information, please visit www.BYDE.org or call 847.382.6333. Follow us on Facebook.

Our Sponsors

The Nutcracker was made possible by: The Benson Foundation, Barrington Area Community Foundation, Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, The Sanfilippo Foundation, Rose Packing Company, CNA Foundation, RedLight Security, LLC, Barrington Junior Women’s Club, The DeMar Foundation, Inc., John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc., C.H. Robinson Worldwide, The Stephenson Family Foundation, Microsoft Coporation, Wickstrom Ford, M.J. Miller, Heads Up Apparel.

Photos: Kelly Stachura Photography, Barrington, Illinois