Western Avenue Student of the Month for December - Abigail Rucker

Abigail has always loved dancing and began to take ballet classes when she was four years old.  When she was six, her ballet teacher moved to Minnesota and her studio was closed.  However, Abigail enjoyed ballet and began taking classes again in Chicago.  She first auditioned for the Nutcracker in September 2010, when she was in pre-ballet.  Abigail was told the pre-ballet dancers were only cast in the pre-show or in small roles as baby mice.  However, she was cast in the First Act’s main scene as a party child and was one of the youngest dancers actually cast in the Nutcracker that year!  Abigail has performed in the Nutcracker every year since then.  This year, she was cast as a soldier, which was a very technical role that requires good, sharp movements.  Every year, Abigail works hard from early October through December to prepare for a whole weekend of performances.  Not only does she have to attend weekly rehearsals, but she also has to maintain her attendance in weekly ballet classes.  Every Friday night during rehearsal season, she rehearses from one to four hours.  After the Nutcracker is over, she will take ballet class two days a week for the rest of the year.  Next year, Abigail will take classes three days a week.  Even though this may be a lot, Abigail loves to dance.  She actually told her mom that she wanted to dance on the stage at the Auditorium Theater, where the Joffrey Ballet performs.  Next year, Abigail will be auditioning for the Joffrey Ballet’s production of the Nutcracker!  She will continue to work hard to make her dream come true!  Abigail’s awards and pictures will be on display in the front display case during the month of December.