Ballet Misha, the Manchester based professional dance company affiliated with Dimensions in Dance and directed by Amy Fortier and assistant director Mari Frederique-Streitburger, will once again stage their imaginative and artistic production of The Nutcracker at The Dana Center at Saint Anselm’s College on Dec. 18 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. and Dece. 19 at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Ballet Misha’s production is performed by professional dancers in the company, as well as apprentice company members, and students of its affiliate school, Dimensions in Dance. The cast of over 100 dancers has rehearsed for months, and they are excited for the moment when they can perform this magical production this weekend. With hundreds of vibrant costumes, five beautiful sets, and Tchaikovsky’s jubilant score, Ballet Misha’s production of The Nutcracker is the perfect holiday entertainment.
Ballet Misha’s production tells the classic story of a girl named Clara who receives a wooden nutcracker in the shape of a solider as a Christmas present from her mysterious godfather Drosselmeyer. This simple gift leads Clara on a magical journey that delights audiences of all ages.
“I think one of the reasons The Nutcracker is so magical for children is because the lead character of Clara is danced by a child. There is no other professional ballet where the most important role is danced by a young girl,” explains director Fortier.
It was a production of Boston Ballet’s Nutcracker that inspired Director Amy Fortier to become a dancer.
“I was only three years old, but that was it. I knew ballet was the only thing for me,” says Fortier. Now, Fortier aspires to pass the magic and inspiration of The Nutcracker onto her students.
Among the many dancers from the Concord area performing in Ballet Misha’s The Nutcracker is Evelyn Degnan, 9, a fourth grader at Concord’s Christa McAuliffe Elementary School, who is dancing the role of lead gingerbread girl, as well the role of baby mouse.
“I have been performing in Ballet Misha’s Nutcracker since I was five, and I look forward to the rehearsals every week,” says Evelyn. “It is so much fun to do this performance with all my dance friends.”
Evelyn explains the best part of being the lead gingerbread girl is that she gets to give Clara gingerbread cookies when she arrives in the land of sweets. “I also like when I get to run out from under Mother Ginger’s huge skirt,” says Evelyn.
Alexander Degnan, 7, a first grader at Concord’s Christa McAuliffe Elementary School, is performing in the Nutcracker for the first time as a young solider in the battle scene.
“I have to save my baby doll partner from the mouse attacking us,” explains Alexander. “I like being a soldier, but someday I want to be the Mouse King.”
R Joey Richardson, 13, of Hopkinton, will dance the role of the Nutcracker Prince. “I have dreamed of being The Nutcracker since I first saw the ballet,” Richardson says.
“The Nutcracker is my favorite show, and I look forward to it all year,” says Eliana Lomanno. ” Being Clara this year feels like such an achievement for me because I have been wanting this part for as long as I can remember.”
Kelly Diamond of Concord will dance as the Sugarplum Fairy. Diamond returned to NH to run her own company in Concord and continue dancing professionally with Ballet Misha. Prior to this, Diamond danced with several prominent ballet companies, so she is no stranger to The Nutcracker.
“I am thrilled to be dancing the role of the Sugarplum Fairy again,” says Diamond. “If you are looking to feel the magic of the holiday season, this special ballet offers you the perfect opportunity!”
The role of Sugarplum Cavalier will be danced by Ballet Misha Company member Nathan Duszny, a New Hampshire native from Merrimack. Duszny has performed all over the world including in Radio City’s “Christmas Spectacular.”
“Even after countless performances around the world, it is always a joy and pleasure performing with Ballet Misha,” says Duszny. “I hope everyone gets the chance to experience this magical production,” he says.
Fortier explains that the dancers are very excited for the Nutcracker this year because the 2020 Nutcracker was canceled due to COVID-19.
“The dedication and work these dancers have put in for months, in masks, makes me beyond proud. Even in dark times, they are moving forward and working hard for their moment under the bright lights on stage,” says Fortier.
Tickets for Ballet Misha’s The Nutcracker are $26 and can be purchased online at balletmisha.com or in person in the lobby before the performances.