By Ashley Fultz
The University of Louisville Dance Theatre kicked off the holiday season with its 11th performance of “Clara’s Dream,” a show based on the famous “Nutcracker” ballet.
Members of U of L’s Dance Academy have been practicing under the direction of Cynthia Bronner and Chuck Bronson since mid-September for “Clara’s Dream.”
“The older kids rehearse a minimum of three days a week plus they are required to take class everyday,” said Bronson.
The amount of rehearsal time varies for each age group. “In our production there are certain dances that are assigned to each level, and the more difficult dances, of course, are assigned to the higher level dancers.”
The hard work on behalf of the dancers paid off. The audience was very attentive and enthusiastic throughout the performance. There were many people with flowers for the dancers after the performance.
McKinley Nicoson, who played the Sugar Plum Fairy, impressed many in the audience. She has been a member of U of L’s Dance Academy since she was six years old, and last year she studied at the School for American Ballet in New York. Now a U of L alumnus, she played the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy for the second time.
“I was in the very first “Clara’s Dream,” all the way up from angels to Sugar Plum.” Her present role is one of her all time favorites.
“It’s really classical, in the dance sense it’s the purest form of technique that you can have, and the artistry comes out easily with it.”
Matthew Sparks, a U of L alumnus and guest artist, played the role of another main character, Cavalier, for the second year in a row. He and McKinley shared the limelight most of the show, dancing as partners.
“I will always come [to U of L] if they ask for me,” said Sparks.
From the cute little lambs, angels and guardsmen, to the sophisticated and graceful older dancers, this performance was sure to entertain the entire family. The music was absolutely amazing, as were all of the dances.
