The magic of ‘The Nutcracker’

Synonymous with Christmas is E.T.A. Hoffmann’s “The Nutcracker,” which dates back to the late 1800s, and has become the most popular ballet to be performed during the holiday season. Whether you’ve seen “The Nutcracker” or not, no other dance company does it like the Beaumont Civic Ballet.

The late Marsha Woody Zummo founded the Beaumont Civic Ballet and had a vision to bring dance to a higher level than just an annual recital. With that in mind, she presented “The Nutcracker,” which has become Beaumont Civic Ballet’s landmark performance and holiday tradition for the last five decades.

Under the direction of Zummo’s daughter, Monique Woody Steinhagen, and co-director Megan Forgas Anderson, the company will present their 51st edition Saturday, Dec. 10, and Sunday, Dec. 11, at 2 p.m. as nearly 100 dancers take the stage inside the Julie Rogers Theatre.

This mysticism begins with the arrival of the mysterious magician Drosselmeyer, the godfather of Clara, the protagonist of the story. Drosselmeyer frightens and captivates the children, offering magic tricks and toys including a wooden nutcracker carved in the shape of a little man, which all the children seem to ignore except Clara, who is intrigued by the figurine.

After everyone goes to bed, Clara returns to the Christmas tree to view her favorite toy once again only to discover her godfather perched on top of the grandfather clock. The magician brings the nutcracker to life at the stroke of midnight, along with a whole new world for Clara to explore, including the Land of Snow, the Kingdom of Sweets, soldiers and dolls, and the Mouse King and his army of mice.

Though the story stays the same, Steinhagen is able to keep Beaumont Civic Ballet’s version fresh.

“Megan (Anderson) and I get started in September and rehearsals begin October 1,” said Steinhagen. “Our students have different parts each year, so it stays relatively fresh. We also have a lot of new costumes, too.”

Audiences will be amazed by the sets, the stunning costumes, the music and how well trained the dancers are. The classical music includes the famous “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” an entrancing number set to the sounds of the celesta, a small keyboard instrument in which felted hammers strike a row of steel plates suspended over wooden resonators, giving off an ethereal bell-like sound. “The Waltz of the Flowers” is another popular piece from the ballet, so popular in fact that Disney used the song in its third-ever animated film, “Fantasia.”

“I really enjoy Act II,” said Steinhagen. “It shows off our dancers, plus I love the snow and scenery.

“Some of the choreography is very tough, such as the Sugar Plum Fairies, who are two high school juniors – Sienna Peterson and Olivia de la Madrid. The Dance of the Mirlitons is also very tough. I am also thankful of Cole Hinson. We have so much talent this year, so much that it included six Claras. It truly is a blessing to be able to teach these talented students. These performers are not professionals. They are homegrown in this school. It’s also very humbling to be able to see generations of talent come through Beaumont Civic Ballet.”

Anderson, who started ballet at the age of 10, was a soldier in her first time in the production and holds a special place in her heart. Her favorites are “Waltz of Snowflakes” and “Waltz of the Flowers.”

“Those were my favorite to dance, and is now my favorite to watch and rehearse,” said Anderson. “They are both beautifully choreographed. But more importantly, both are very dependent on a strong corps de ballet. Don’t misunderstand me. Snow Queen and Dew Drop are very important pieces to the beauty of these two ‘puzzles.’ However, without the hard work and long hours of training that the corps go thorough, neither scene would be as stunning as intended. It truly exhibits the excellence that Ms. Marsha set, that Ms. Monique strives to uphold in her absence, and that the community has come to expect from Beaumont Civic Ballet.”

Another important experience from Beaumont Civic Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” are the special performances Friday, Dec. 9, that will be viewed by third grade children.

“We want children, who may not have the means to see ‘The Nutcracker,’ to have the opportunity to see art in this performance,” said Steinhagen. “I truly believe it’s a great experience for them.”

Ticket prices are $10-$25 and can be purchased online at beaumontcivicballet.net or by calling (409) 838-4397.