FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 3, 2022
KICK OFF THE HOLIDAYS OVER THANKSGIVING WEEKEND
WITH STUDIO WEST DANCE THEATRE’S THE NUTCRACKER BALLET!
Olympia, WA – As the holiday season approaches, so does Studio West Dance Theatre’s holiday tradition–The Nutcracker!
Storefront windows begin to transform into beautiful holiday displays, the streets start to fill with bright twinkling lights, Christmas music will soon fill the air, and Studio West Dance Theatre (SWDT) is preparing to take the stage at the newly updated Washington Center for the Performing Arts. Studio West will bring the iconic family favorite The Nutcracker, to life over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, November 25-28, 2022.
Studio West Dance Theatre’s The Nutcracker incorporates beautiful choreography, brilliantly-designed sets,and a touch of humor to transport you into the story of Clara and her Nutcracker. From the playful party scene to the swirling snowflakes, waltzing flowers, and a journey through the Land of Sweets, you are sure to be captivated as you sit back and take it all in.
Professionally staged, with lighting by nationally-recognized designer Scott Leathers; this production will feature over 150 of Studio West’s talented dancers including several returning local artists. This year, Cole McMason and Hannah Smith will reprise their roles as Cavalier and Sugar Plum Fairy in the first four performances. Both Cole and Hannah are Studio West alumni and are in their first professional year at Ballet Tucson.
“The Nutcracker ballet has always been a part of my holidays as far back as I can remember,” shares Stephanie Wood-Ennett, co-director of Studio West Dance Theatre (SWDT). “I think in our fast-paced, ever-changing, technology-filled life, the holidays are still a time for many of us to slow down and celebrate family and tradition. We get together to cook favorite recipes, make gingerbread houses and crafts, and cuddle up to watch favorite holiday movies. For me, the Nutcracker experience changes every year through the eyes of our dancers and artistic staff, from a dancer stepping into the role of Clara for the first time, to dancers adding their own unique artistry to familiar Nutcracker characters, and our costume department’s exciting new costumes creations. Each season, the artistic staff and I strive for excellence, to continue to bring a high quality and entertaining experience to the stage.”
Wood continues, “We are excited to perform the first Nutcracker in the newly-renovated Washington Center for the Performing Arts and cannot wait for you to join us. It is exciting to know that our dancers will be fully unmasked this year and able to perform with their big, beautiful smiles.”
“I love that bringing The Nutcracker to our South Sound audiences has allowed us to be part of people’s holiday traditions,” shares Mary-Cecelia Piper, co-director of SWDT. “A tradition we are thrilled to bring back after a couple years’ break is Clara’s Nutcracker Party. The party begins an hour before each of our matinee shows. Young, partygoers make special holiday keepsakes, enjoy refreshments, the reading of the Nutcracker story, and meet with characters from the ballet. It’s their own party with Clara before the curtain opens on stage for the Nutcracker Christmas party scene. I knew we had to bring the preshow party back this year, and every year, after seeing so many young faces light up with Nutcracker joy.”
Thirty minutes before each show, we will have dancers in costume in front of the Washington Center to greet the community and take pictures.
Tickets for the Nutcracker performance range in price from $18-$30, with a special “Military Monday” adult ticket price for the November 28th performance. A ticket for Clara’s Nutcracker Party is an additional $15 for young patrons (chaperoning adults are free)! A $4 Washington Center service fee is added to each ticket purchased. To purchase tickets, contact the box office at (360)753-8586 or online at: http://www.washingtoncenter.org/organizer/studio-west-dance-theatre/
Don’t miss our Nutcracker performers in and around our community this month, too!
We will be at the Hands-On Children’s Museum Saturday, November 5, Sunday, November 6, and Saturday, November 12 for a meet-and-greet opportunity at 10:30 am, followed by a mini-preview performance at 11:00 am.
Join us at Oly on Ice during their opening weekend on November 20, from 1:00-3:00 pm. Dancers will be available for pictures and passing out candy canes. Don’t miss your chance to enter to win one of two four-packs of tickets to the Nutcracker!
For more information, please contact:
Studio West Dance Theatre
info@studiowestdanceacademy.com
1025 Black Lake Blvd. SW Suite 3B
Olympia, WA 98502
(360)956-9378
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