Redding Dancers Sparkle in Nutcracker Ballet On Sunday December 17th

Ten Redding Dancers Celebrate 20 Years of Holiday Tradition in WILTON DANCE STUDIO’S THE NUTCRACKER on December 17^th

(Wilton, CT) What makes the holidays special? If you ask a dancer, most will tell you a big part of holiday magic is performing in the Nutcracker ballet. For 20 years, the Wilton Dance Studio has been proud to share this ballet tradition with dancers and audience alike. This year, those visions of sparkling sugarplums come to life once more, with 10 Redding dancers on Sunday, December 17^th,.  

This full-scale production features more than 80 students and adults from seven area towns, with 10 dancers from Redding. The ballet will be performed on Sunday, December 17th at 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the Wilton High School’s Clune Center for the Performing Arts.

and Owner of the Wilton Dance Studio Brenda Froehlich.

Three of this year’s leading roles will be performed by Redding dancers. Joel Barlow Junior Anjali Duenwald is delighted to dance the part of Dew Drop this year. She said about her experience, “I’ve dreamed of being Dew Drop since I was first in the Nutcracker as a sheep when I was four years old! It is a great tradition and it wouldn’t be the same if I didn’t do it every year.”

The role of Clara will be performed this year by Redding 7^th Grader Natalie Gilbert. She said, “I really want people to feel like they’re inside the story and to connect with Clara’s emotions throughout all the scenes.  I want them to feel like they are joining Clara on her journey.”

Even parents of student dancers find themselves brought into the production. Todd Trimble is the father of dancer Lydia Trimble, a John Read Middle School 8^th grader now in her 10^th year dancing at Wilton Dance Studio. Along with his daughter, Dr. Trimble is excited to play a lead role in this year’s production. He said, "This is my sixth year joining the cast for this wonderful production, and the second year I’ve played the role of Herr Drosselmeyer, who presents Clara with her Nutcracker and helps guide her into the land of her dreams. I never thought I'd be on stage like this, but I'm very glad I got involved. It's just been a really nice shared experience with my daughter Lydia. It's something I'd recommend to any dad of a ballerina. Not only has it been a lot of fun, it really ushers in the Christmas spirit!" 

“We are delighted to bring this show to life every year, and it’s extra special this year to celebrate our 20^th anniversary of the performance. Our dancers, who range in age from adorable three-years-olds to elegant adults in the party scene, each carry a special bit of holiday magic with them because they’re part of the Nutcracker ballet tradition,” said Creative Director

Every year, Froehlich brings new elements to the show, from costumes to choreography. This 20^th anniversary year, a key element is sparkle. She explains, “This year we’ve hand applied thousands of Swarovski rhinestones to dresses and necklaces, to make them stand out even more in the stage lights.”

She’s also increased the level of challenge for dancers by adding new choreography for older dancer to the infamous battle scene between the Nutcracker and the Rat King. “We even imported giant mice masks from the UK!,” said Froehlich.

Wilton Dance Studio’s Nutcracker shares the magic of dance in a way that appeals to audiences of all ages. The performance length is manageable for young children, and they are encouraged to attend. The ballet follows the traditional story of Clara and her Nutcracker prince from E.T.A. Hoffman's The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, with music by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Professional sets and elegant costumes complete the high-quality production.

The Wilton Dance Studio production of The Nutcracker will be on Sunday, December 17, 2017 at 1 and 4:30 p.m. at Wilton High School’s Clune Performing Arts Center. To buy tickets, call 203-544-9007 and leave a message or order at www.wiltondance.com, click on “Nutcracker Performances” download & print the ticket order form. Tickets are also available at the door on the day of the show.

Photo Credit: Donner Photographic

Front Row (L to R): Mackenzie Moreau, Emma Scheckner, Aoife Dolan (Clowns)

Sitting Center: Natalie Gilbert, dancing the lead role of “Clara”

Back Row (L to R): Lydia Trimble, lead Spanish; Abigail Francoletti, Flower, Kristina Stranik, Chinese Dragon; Todd Trimble, Herr Drosselmeyer; Anjali Duenwald, Dew Drop lead; Elizabeth Kennedy, Flower