DECEMBER 1, 2016 // 11
on and on, and someone has these leaps —
so choreographing to each of the Clara’s
strengths is always fun, and it keeps it fresh.”
Madsen also looks for different places to
put Clara in each year. This year, Clara gets
to do more in Act 2’s Kingdom of Sweets,
dancing with the Candy Ribbons and a Chef
played by Nathaniel Condit, before the sur-
prise of the traditional Bons Bons choreogra-
phy with Mother Ginger.
“It is a fun-packed scene full of new and
traditional moments that we are so excited to
share,” Madsen says.
With a cast of more than 70 dancers and
a 50-piece live orchestra and choir conduct-
ed by Cory Pederson, there’s a lot of local
talent and holiday cheer to enjoy.
Audiences can be on the lookout for
I special guests in Act 1’s Party Scene: Astoria
ara’s Mayor Arlene LaMear will make an ap-
pearance on stage for both of Saturday’s
al performances, and Oregon state Sen. Betsy
er Johnson will step on stage Sunday, mingling
with party guests. Audiences can also enjoy
‘THE NUTCRACKER’
2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday,
Dec. 3
2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4
Astoria High School
1001 W. Marine Drive, Astoria
Tickets available at TicketsWest.
com, the Liberty Theater box
offi ce, Maddox Dance Studio and
Astoria High School
Tickets $11 to $51
the talented dancing of Michael Linsmeier
and Ansa Deguchi of the Oregon Ballet
Theatre in the ballet’s Pas de Deux.
At a November rehearsal, some high
school-aged dancers took a pause from their
normal routine to pose for portraits and talk
about being a part of this community tradition.
THE NUTCRACKER PRINCE
Joe Justice, junior at Warrenton High School, trains
at Astoria School of Ballet
Other parts: Mechanical Bear, Dance of the Reed Flutes
Being in “The Nutcracker” is another way to perform and
es, show people what I can do. I realized the fi rst year that it’s
just a bunch of families coming together like one big one.
I’d probably say Reed Flute is my favorite part; it’s more
ken technical than anything. I don’t really get nervous. I’ve
been told that there were not a lot of Nutcracker Princes
who have done actual dancing before. And the best part
big about it, for me, is seeing all the kids, just the looks on their
faces when I come out.
Maddox Dance Studio teacher Emily Gilbertson Madsen, center, coaches dancers as they re-
hearse for the Little Ballet Theatre’s production of “The Nutcracker.”
CLARA
Anita Barbic, junior at Seaside High School
You only get Clara once. It’s insane. I never thought
that I would get it. I don’t think I have a favorite part about
dancing Clara. With dancing, you get into a character and
you throw all your emotions into it, and when you feel the
music, then it becomes believable — not only for yourself
but for the audience. So, being Clara, being able to grab
people’s attention and not having to be in the background,
it’s really nice because you get to take charge and show
people, “This is the story and this is what’s happening:
She’s having a dream and she’s going through this magical
land.” I’m excited to see all the little kids and their reaction
because to them it’s real.
DREAM FAIRY
Hikari Wajima, Japanese exchange student, Seaside
High School
Other parts: Dance of the Snowfl akes, Chinese Tea, Finale
First I went to the Seaside dance studio, but there were
only little dancers. Then I came here. I like classic ballet.
Especially I like this ballet show — the Russian, Chinese
and Arabian dancing, it’s so nice. The fi nale — because I
can dance just me — is so exciting.