A Holiday T radition Local dancers participate in nutcracker performance
Annika Yoder Reporter @YoderAnnika
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very other year, Newton Dance Connections puts on their version of the famous ballet, The Nutcracker. Dancers from two local dance studios unite to put on the classic show that first began back in 1892. This version is unique from the other productions of the show to better fit the dancers and the audience that comes to watch. “I love participating in the Nutcracker because it is so fun to be able to work with BCAPA every other year and it is always great to see some familiar faces every time we do it,” senior Tabitha Buffalo said. Newton Dance Connections consists of two local dance studios, Newton Performing Arts Center and the Bethel College Academy of Performing Arts. Dancers and teachers at each of the studios come together to put on the performance. People look forward to performing, teaching and watching the Nutcracker every time it comes around. “I am looking forward to performing and being able to put the whole show together,” junior Eliza Epp said. “I love being able to watch the whole performance after it is all over when the video is released.”
Photo by Caleb Smith
6 | NEWS | WINTER 2021
Photo by Caleb Smith
This year the Nutcracker took place in the auditorium at Valley Center Middle School on Dec. 3 and 4. Tickets were available for purchase at $15 for an adult and $10 for a child to come watch any of the three performances. The Nutcracker is known to be appealing for audience members due to its familiar storyline. The Newton production does its best to include a variety of styles of dance, so that everyone will have the opportunity to find one they like to watch. “I like that the Newton production incorporates other styles than just ballet because I feel like it suits our particular audience best,” Buffalo said. The version of the Nutcracker put on by Newton Dance Connections includes a variety of styles of dance that go beyond just the traditional ballet. This year’s production in particular included ballet and pointe, tap, Irish, modern and acrobatics. “My favorite style of dance to do in the Nutcracker is ballet and pointe,” Epp said. “I especially love the part I have in the Nutcracker right now as one of the Arch Angels. It is my
