Centennial State Ballet wows with 10th annual performance of The Nutcracker

After pausing mid-season due to the pandemic, the Centennial State Ballet (CSB) was elated to return to Niwot High School to perform The Nutcracker this year. The 2021 production marks the company's tenth anniversary season and has moved from a completely online model to a hybrid one, offering in person performances in addition to the live-streamed option.

"Last season, we filmed our performances at locations around Longmont, partnering with local businesses and organizations to bring the story of The Nutcracker to life right here in the community," said Laura Malpass, Community Coordinator for CSB. "As we continue to follow and embrace health and safety protocols, with the help of our intrepid community of volunteers, the dancers' masks for each production have been beautifully incorporated into the costuming for each role."

It was immediately obvious just how much thought went into the production. CSB is the premier youth ballet company in Northern Colorado and expertly works to develop and showcase its diverse cast. With company dancers ranging from kindergarten to college, as well as adult guest dancers, CSB is undoubtedly diverse in skill and experience. But that only adds to the company's charm and community.

"I was just thinking about how this is my senior year and all the times I've been standing backstage and the Sugar Plum Fairy walked by," said Lillian Vance, a senior at Silver Creek. "Now, I've been dancing with her [the Sugar Plum Fairy] since I was a small child." In addition to playing the dragon in "The Chinese Dance" and being part of the Flower Corps, Vance is the Snow Queen in the 2021 production.

Abby Spiegel, who danced as the Moonlight Duchess, an angel, and in the Flower Corps, is another Silver Creek senior who shared Vance's feelings. "They watch us and say 'wow,' but we also watch them and say the exact same thing. They're maturing and they're getting better and it's awesome to see every day."

Being part of CSB is more than just the opportunity to develop dancing skills. Malpass said that live performance helps dancers to prepare for life on and off the stage. She believes that it helps dancers develop skills such as cooperation, attention to detail and being one's own self-advocate.

"Our mission is to engage, enrich, and inspire the human spirit through exceptional youth ballet performances. We hope our patrons are transported into a space of joy and beauty with each performance," Malpass said.

Ellie Hara, an instructor at CSB and Drasselmeyer in the 2021 production, said that she loves CSB because it's a great opportunity to be creative and build community. She also expressed excitement about being part of the production because of CSB's emphasis around inclusivity and desire to help its members succeed.

"It's about helping them develop their skills and talents and ability to really think through 'what do I need to do for me,'" she said. "And have that discipline and self-drive to do something because it's something that carries over to all aspects of life."

This idea of self-drive was echoed by the dancers as well. Reese Ransweiler, a NHS senior who performed as part of the Snowflake and Flower Corps, as well as performing as a soloist for the Arabian dance, explained that it's a huge time commitment. "We're dancing 20 to 30 hours per week, so that on top of high school stuff and college apps, that's a lot," she said. Even so, it's clear she has a passion for the art form. Even through her mask, one could hear her excitement as she expressed hope that her younger peers continue to work with CSB. "Remembering that love [of dance] is really important."

While it was clear that the dancers were having fun, it was equally obvious the audience on Sunday enjoyed the event.

During the Sugar Plum Realm Dance near the end of the production, the NHS auditorium was filled with hoots, hollers, whistles and raucous applause as Longmont High School senior Deborah Hegg pranced across the stage with her co-star Mendel Boothby, a guest artist.

"Performing is my favorite part," said Hegg, beaming. "Feeling the lights on your face, it's magical... [and] their [the younger dancers'] encouragement, when they come up to me after the show, that warms my heart so much and I want them to feel the same thing when they're older."

The CSB dancers all seemed very encouraging and hopeful for the future of the company, with many of the older dancers offering advice. Emily Lindberg, a junior at Silver Creek, encouraged students to "be kind to your body, be kind to others and know that you'll always have friends in us."

Marie Hefley, a Niwot junior, added, "You're going to learn so much through [ballet]...CSB is a great place to learn friendship and kindness, and the sense of community is incredible."

If you missed either show on Dec. 18 or 19, the taped performance will be available at the CSB's website soon. Check out their archives to enjoy previous performances: https://b.link/CSBOnDemand

CSB programs can be found here: https://www.flipsnack.com/csbboxoffice/

CSB is a nonprofit ballet company and a community effort. If you'd like to become involved, email engage@centennialstateballet.org

In the Spring, they will be performing Don Quixote. Visit https://centennialstateballet.org/ for more information.