Ballet Northwest dancers start practicing for their holiday performance of the Nutcracker long before Halloween candy even hits the store shelves. December 9th marks opening night of the 27th season of Ballet Northwest’s performance of the Nutcracker.
Ballet Northwest, a non-profit organization since 1970, is a community-based performance group dedicated to promoting, teaching, and preserving the art of dance in Southwest Washington. Husband and wife team, Ken and Josie Johnson, have served as Artistic Directors since 2008. Ballet Northwest dancers are not exclusive to one studio. Dancers will travel from throughout the area – Napavine to Federal Way – to participate in the seasonal performance.
“The Nutcracker is a holiday tradition. Your family can have an amazing experience with beautiful costumes and fabulous dancing – all in a gorgeous theatre in downtown Olympia,” stated Josie. “I enjoy performing and to be a part of something that so many people love to come and see,” stated sixth grader Madison Williams, who is performing in her third production of the Nutcracker.
Children can begin participating in the Nutcracker at age 8. As dancers progress in their skills, they advance to larger roles. “Kids get hooked, after just one year. It’s like a big slumber party backstage. Our dancers build strong relationships off stage that create lifelong friends and memories,” Josie commented.
“Participating in the Nutcracker also builds discipline. It’s amazing to see what our older dancers can accomplish and how well they can manage school and other activities while also rehearsing for the Nutcracker,” said Ken. “Ballet Northwest compliments and strengthens other aspects of their lives,” added Josie.
This year’s cast of 220 dancers is the largest in Ballet Northwest’s history. “We chose to add parts because we had so many dancers audition. The Ribbon Candy Dance will showcase three very talented young dancers,” commented Josie who co-choreographed the new dance with Ken.
Emma Campbell, participating in her fifteenth ballet, would recommend this experience to everyone. “Ken and Josie have taught me to persevere through challenges, while having fun at the same time. I’ve grown as a performer, a dancer, and a person. Ballet Northwest has been a tremendous experience,” the dancer said. “I love being a part of the performance because I like showing others what I can do as a dancer,” stated 13-year-old Elizabeth Armour.
“I enjoy the tension and excitement of performing – knowing that someone is watching me,” stated Isaac Buller, a 17-year-old dancer with aspirations of becoming a professional dancer. “Performing in Ballet Northwest’s Nutcracker is a unique experience. I feel blessed to be able to be able to participate,” continued Buller.
Parents step in to pull the performance together. “The Nutcracker has professionally designed costumes, sets, and choreography, but a production of this size and scope needs leagues of volunteers to make it happen,” said Miriam Campbell, who coordinates 150 parent volunteers. “Our volunteers are fantastic — they can usher, procure ads, move sets, sew costumes, design bouquets, supervise children, and learn how to do stage makeup.”
“Ballet Northwest is steeped in tradition while being a progressive organization. It has provided an amazing caliber of ballet right here in Olympia with a friendly openness to all dancers who love the performing arts. When you work this hard in any discipline, you look forward to the opportunity to challenge yourself and show what you’ve learned. Ballet Northwest gives dancers that performance opportunity in a wonderful local venue while encouraging teamwork and discipline,” stated Campbell.
Nutcracker performances will be held December 9 – 18 at the Washington Center on Fridays (7:30 pm), Saturdays (2:00 pm & 7:30 pm) and Sundays (2:00 pm) at The Washington Center. Tickets may be purchased at www.olytix.org.
