DTNW's NUTCRACKER PERFORMANCES presented December 13th and 14th

Dance Theatre Northwest’s NUTCRACKERperformances are slated for Saturday December 13th at 2:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. and on Sunday, December 14th at 4 p.m. at the Mount Tahoma High School Auditorium. DTNW’s holiday presentation is an upbeat bedtime story illustrated with dynamic dance, beautiful sets and glamorous costumes. A festive winter classic, Dance Theatre Northwest’s NUTCRACKERis a family holiday production that showcases professional, guest and student performers of all ages. Award winning choreographer and director, Melanie Kirk Stauffer, has set up a shared system for leading roles featuring Chhay Mam, Allison Zakharov, Lauren Trodahl, Ocean Thunder, Amelia Arial, Gregory Peloquin. Madeline Ewer, Olivia Stephen-Jordan, Solana Sartain, and Philandra Eargle.

This season the leading roles of Snow Queen and Sugar Plum Fairy are shared between Oceana Thunder and Lauren Trodahl who will perform the Grand Pas De Deux with Chhay Mam. These dancers have gained experience with the company by participating in numerous community arts outreach productions. Ballerina, Lauren Trodahl has performed several seasons asClara and also leading roles in ballets such asTribute, Fire To Rain, and Bluebird Pas De Deux. Oceana Thunder has performed the roles ofNutcracker Arabian Princess and Dew Drop Fairy as well as Princess Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty Pas De Deux with Chhay Mam.

Madeline Ewer, Olivia Stephen-Jordan and Solana Sartain will alternate the role of Clara. Gregory Peloquin is featured as Fritz with Dave Evans as Drosselmeyer. According to Kirk-Stauffer, “DTNW’s production offers performing opportunities using local talent that have been lovingly raised and illustrates the power of combining talent with a passion for dance. Both Lauren and Oceana make gorgeous Sugar Plum Fairies, Allison is always stunning, and it is wonderful to have Vadne Domeika dancing in this year’s party scene.” Vadne is DTNW’s associate director, currently both an instructress and chorographer for DANCE THEATRE NORTHWEST.

Act One features the timeless party scene transporting audience members into a joyous holiday celebration that takes place in the living room of the Stahlbaum house with its enormous Christmas tree. After the party, Clara falls asleep with her beloved toy Nutcracker and is led by a magnificent Angel to the sparkling Land of Snow where she dances and frolics amidst twirling and leaping snowflakes. In Act Two, Clara is transported to the Land of Sweets where her visions include meeting exotic guests from around the world in a sugar spangled fantasy.

“Everything sparkles brighter when you start your holiday season with the Nutcracker,” says Kirk-Stauffer. “DTNW’s Nutcracker is a little different each year mixing some of the best of the old with things that are fresh and new.” With a mission of making dance performances more accessible and to give back to the supporting community, DANCE THEATRE NORTHWEST has kept ticket prices at a modest $11-13 Student or Sr(over 60) and $22-26 Adult admission. Parking is Free.

Mount Tahoma Auditorium is located at 4634 South 74th Street, Tacoma, WA 98409.The theatre is handicapped accessible. Military Discounts and Group Rates also available and there is also an all three show “Dream” pass price $45 Adults and $25 seniors. Want to order tickets on-line or get more information about DANCE THEATRE NORTHWEST? Call 253-778-6534 or Visitwww.DTNW.org.

By B. J. Coleman