In Montclair: Young Dancer Reaches Dream, Stars in Nutcracker

By ALEXIS TARRAZI (Patch Staff)

At 11 years old, Katie Lefkowitz of Warren will be achieving her dream as she will dance as Clara in New Jersey Dance Theatre Ensemble’s full-length production of “The Nutcracker.”

“Ever since I was 5 years old, it has been my dream to be Clara,” Katie said.

NJDTE’s “The Nutcracker” has a new home in Montclair for its 46th anniversary season. Set to the classic music of Peter Tchaikovsky and choreographed by NJDTE Artistic Director Nancy Turano, the ballet features more than 55 talented young dancers ages 7 through 18 from across New Jersey.

Daughter of Ken Lefkowitz and Tracy Mazure-Lefkowitz, Katie is a sixth grade student at Warren Middle School.

Katie started dancing when she was three. She has been in Nutcracker productions since she was five and has performed in dance competitions for a number of years.

“People have different things to relieve stress,” Katie said. “If I am worried or stressed, I feel like when I dance I don’t think about it. I have fun and love dancing.”

Along with ballet, Katie keeps busy performing jazz and modern dance as well. But Katie enjoys ballet the most.

A member of NJDTE’s Ensemble Company since 2012, Katie has also performed the roles of Young Party Girl, Bon Bon and Soldier.

“I like to be in the spotlight,” Katie said. “I like to have the attention.”

Katie plans to continue dancing and wants to go to The Juilliard School in New York City and then work with the American Ballet Theatre after.

“I am very proud of her,” Tracy, Katie’s mom said. “She dedicates her life pretty much to this. She’s missed out on birthday parties, family gatherings and it never bothered her because she is so dedicated to dance. It is so amazing that someone at such at a young age knows what she wants to do in life.”

“The Nutcracker” will be performed on Dec. 12 at 1 and 5 p.m. and Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. at the Memorial Auditorium at Montclair State University, 1 Normal Avenue in Montclair.

Photo provided by NJDTE: Katie as Clara in rehearsal with guest artist Lyvan Esteban.

Photo by Tracy Lefkowitz: Katie at a younger age enjoying her dancing career.