Dancing in Classic Christmas Ballet

Written by Taylor Tweedell
The music of Tchaikovsky and visions of sugar plums are swirling in our heads, and you know what that means! The holiday tradition of The Nutcracker Ballet is almost here! Every two years, Quincy Community Theatre collaborates with the magical dancers of Kaiser Dance Theatre to present Clara’s journey through the land of sweets. Let’s get to know some of the graceful dancers who will be appearing in this year’s special holiday production.

Ally Hayden
Junior at Quincy Senior High School

Role: Sugar Plum Fairy
What is your favorite thing about your role? 
I’ve always admired the young women who have performed this role in the past, so it’s an amazing that I get to experience it myself.
Why do you love ballet?  I love how precise and powerful ballet is while still appearing graceful and effortless.
What is your pre-show tradition? Before a show I like to take my time getting ready and stretching. Right before I go on stage, I try to not think about anything else and just live in the moment.
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Sophie Jones
Senior at Quincy Notre Dame High School 

Role: The Mouse Queen is my main role, but I appear in several other parts as well.
What is your favorite thing about your role? I love the acting and how I can be sassy with it. The lifts are also really fun. The Mouse Queen choreography is jazzier than any other dances in the show and I really enjoy jazz work.
Why do you love ballet? It's rewarding when I nail a step. You have to work very hard to be able to get pointe work down, and that hard work really does pay off!
What is your pre-show tradition? I usually eat Fazolis with my friends before the shows. The pasta gives me energy and it’s a fun tradition. Our whole studio also goes on the stage before the show and does a big stretching exercise together. ​