This past Friday and Saturday, I had the great pleasure of being a part of Hope’s annual production of the Nutcracker! What is so great about it is that Ballet Club, who puts on the show, is welcoming of all people, regardless of dance experience. Prior to my involvement in the Nutcracker, I had never danced in a studio. Ever. But because Hope is a small school with great opportunities, I was able to have this wonderful experience!
Auditions for the show took place in late September, and roles were assigned about a week afterwards. Not surprisingly, I was given a part as a soldier that required little to no prior dance experience. Rehearsals started the week after roles were announced, and since I had a small part, I has rehearsal once a week for about an hour. It was perfect for me because I still had time to do everything I needed to do for Nykerk.
During the scene I was in, Clara falls asleep and begins to dream; first about mice, then about soldiers who fight the mice. About halfway through the scene, the Nutcracker appears as a real person for the first time. A battle ensues between the mice and soldiers, and ends with the Nutcracker being victorious. The dance itself was pretty simple. As a soldier, it mostly involved marching around the stage and pointing our (toy!) guns at the mice. Our awesome choreographer Sarah did a terrific job creating the choreography and teaching it to us.
The first time I saw the rest of the other show was at the dress rehearsal on Thursday night, and I was blown away. There are so many talented dancers at Hope, and watching them in their element was the coolest thing. Even during the show, I chose to watch most of the scenes rather than do my homework. I never got tired of it!
The great thing about college is that it is the prime time in your life to be a part of new experiences. Hope is the perfect place for doing that. There are lots of student organizations to get involved with and discover a passion for. Which new things will you try when you come to Hope?
-Rachael