DIDSBURY - Local dancers who recently performed in the Alberta Ballet production of The Nutcracker at the Jubilee Auditorium in Calgary say taking part in the production was an experience of a lifetime.
The dancers are London Williams, Olivia Halverson, Hailey Barker, Lorelai Williams, and Jordan Cowan, all members of Dawn’s School of Dance (DSD) in Didsbury.
The girls performed Dec. 16 - 24 as dancers in the Battle Scene of the iconic ballet, written by Pyotr Tchaikovsky and first performed more than 100 years ago. The dancers provided comments in reply to an Albertan request.
London Williams said performing in the ballet was a career highlight.
“Being part of The Nutcracker has been one of the most rewarding experience for me,” said Williams. “Being able to take in what it is like to put together a big production has been a chance of a lifetime.”
Lorelai Williams echoed London’s comments, saying dancing in the ballet was a fantastic experience.
“We were able to meet the professional dancers and we learned that it takes time, patience and dedication to put together a big production like The Nutcracker,” she said.
Hailey Barker called performing in the ballet an “eye opening experience” she enjoyed every much.
“It was so amazing to see how it is back stage, how much work and dedication it take,” said Barker. “I would go every year when I was younger. When I was young I was thinking it would be cool to be in it. And now that I’m in it I feel like I’ve achieved my little-self's dream. It was a spectacular thing to be in.”
Jordan Cowan also called her Nutcracker experience the culmination of a dream.
“I was so excited for the opportunity to be in the AB Ballet production of Nutcracker,” said Cowan. “I’ve been going to watch since I was three and now at 14 to be on the stage with the professional dancers from around the world was the fulfillment of a dream.
“It was exciting and fun through auditions, rehearsals and performances. I hope to do it again next year.”
Olivia Halverson said: “Being a soldier in the Nutcracker was an amazing opportunity and definitely something I will remember for a lifetime. To be able to share this experience with my friends made it even more special.
“I look forward to continuing dancing with DSD and competing internationally.”
The Alberta Ballet production of The Nutcracker featured performers from around the world, including dancers from Hong Kong and California.
The local dancers made friendships and learned about different cultures as a part of their collective Nutcracker experience, said Stacey Tomlinson, Jordon Cowan’s mom and dance supporter.
“As for future plans for the girls, there is a wide array of opportunities ahead of them,” Tomlinson said. “All of the girls are excited to be back to a more regular dance schedule in January with Dawn’s School of Dance, getting ready for the 2023 competition season.”
They will all be continuing with the Alberta Ballet affiliate program, which concludes in April 2023, she said.
London Williams will be dancing with the Victoria Academy of Ballet 2023 Summer Dance Intensive, while Lorelai, Jordan and Olivia all hope to soon be accepted into the Alberta Ballet Summer Intensive.
“They should receive the news in early January,” she said.
