Chelsea's Youth Dance Theater Performs 'The Nutcracker'

The Youth Dance Theater of Michigan will present its 14^th annual production of the timeless holiday classic, The Nutcracker Dec. 2-4.

The Nutcracker ballet is based on E.T.A. Hoffman’s The Nutcracker and the King of Mice, a story of a young German girl who dreams about her nutcracker becoming a prince who battles against a mouse king with seven heads. The story premiered in 1892.

Wendi DuBois, the theater's artistic director, said though putting the production together is difficult due to short rehearsal times, it is an incredibly rewarding experience.

“The most wonderful part is watching how much the dancers grow — technically, artistically and emotionally — from each production,” DuBois said.

Patricia Marsh, marketing coordinator for the theater, said production of The Nutcracker requires a lot of dedication from parents and volunteers. All of the show's costumes are hand sewn, quilted and adorned by parents, lending help to the theater’s costume seamstress Mary Waldron and Robin Krienke.

Walden said the volunteers are like a big family.

“This is like a wonderful little sewing circle of hardworking moms,” Waldron said.  “It is also a great way to get involved.” 

This year's performance will be the last for seniors Allison Burg of Grass Lake and Lauren Mitchell of Dexter. Burg has been dancing for 15 years. Last year, she was cast as the Snow Queen in the show but her dreams of dancing the part were crushed just one month before opening night, when she broke her foot while jumping in ballet class.

This year, Burg will play the Snow Queen as well as other characters.

“I am feeling pretty good. I hope that if I continue to work hard and focus on my parts that things will go well," Burg said.

Mitchell has been with the group for nine years.

“After nine years, I can’t imagine not doing (the show). I love dancing and performing,” Mitchell said.  “It helped me gain confidence and taught me that hard work is really worthwhile. I will miss performing in the show and the friendships I made through it.”

There will be a "Sugar Plum Tea" before the matinees both Saturday and Sunday at 12:30 p.m. The tea will be held in the Chelsea High School Commons, which will be transformed into a traditional tea party complete with kid-friendly tea and snacks. Tickets for the tea are $12.

Tickets for The Nutcracker are on sale now. Performances are Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Adult tickets are $18 each and students are $12. For more information, visit http://youthdancetheatre.org/.