Nutcracker
from Page 11
moments and plenty of nonstop action
(dance) to give Bruce Willis a run for
his money.

This version of The Nutcracker is a
seasoned pro, effortlessly wowing
audiences with a dance presentation
of a traditional story, adapted from
author E. T. A. Hoffmann’s story “The
Nutcracker and the Mouse King,” in a
production will do, and she bases her visions strictly
dazzling, nontraditional way. The costumes, makeup
on the movements and experiences of the children
and hairstyles of the performers are uniform,
who audition. It is this type of unique thinking
carefully chosen and presented with gusto while the
that led Adrienne to come up with a “jack-in-the-
scenery incorporates exciting visual elements to help
with the storytelling.

Auditions and Community Performers
The Alexandria Community Nutcracker features
box” prop which came to life months later during
the real show. One thing that surprises all three
choreographers during the audition process is tricks
and techniques that the children are capable of
doing, such as an unusual gymnastics move called
student performers associated with the high school,
“the suicide.”
including those with the West Potomac Academy
The ages of The Nutcracker performers range
dance program, Varsity Dance Team and Beyond
the Page theater department. In addition, Gennifer,
Courtney and Adrienne carefully weave another
truly unique factor into an already special dance
from 3 - 18, but some adults have also made guest
appearances in The Nutcracker over the years. There
are typically 200 children who audition with nearly
presentation – the addition of performers from
100 being cast in the production.

the community. In this sense, the women work
Whether you have a child interested in auditioning
hard to incorporate a group of dancers who live in
Alexandria, VA, though they all attend different
academic and dance schools.

or are just looking to go see a fun-family holiday
performance this season, The Alexandria
Community Nutcracker is worth checking out.

Child performers must go through an audition
process, which usually takes place in early June,
before school lets out. According to Gennifer, “[We
are] looking for dance experience. Looking for
kids comfortable performing in front of people.”
Courtney looks for slightly different things at
audition time. For her, “looking for main characters
[in The Nutcracker]” takes on greater significance
The Alexandria Community Nutcracker performances
will take place on Dec. 1, 6:30 p.m. and Dec. 2, 2:30 p.m.

and 6:30 p.m. Visit alexandrianutcracker.com for more
information. as she starts to visualize the girls or young men in
Amanda M. Socci is a freelance writer who lives in
various roles.

Alexandria, VA with her husband and two daughters.

Adrienne’s artistic visions develop on the spot
Amanda is passionate about many things, including
during the audition process. She often “sees things”
school fundraising, Girl Scouts, and recycling with art.

which are almost like predictions of what the
Amanda can be reached at SocciWriter@gmail.com.

12 December 2017 washingtonFAMILY.com