Giovanna Lee, Samarra Pack, Philip Smith-Cobbs, Emma Diehl, Madeline Chang, Sofia Santos, Samantha Condro, Elisabeth Musseman (Snow Queen), Ruslan Amrayev (Snow Cavalier), Claire de la Paz, Haley Dale, Taylor Anderson, Helene Yao. Photo contributed
The Ernst Community Cultural Center at the Northern Virginia Community College Annandale campus opened to a full house the Friday before Thanksgiving, as Classical Ballet Theater performed their beloved, full-length performance of the “Nutcracker” in honor of our military servicemen and women, local first responders and their families.
In this popular holiday classic, young Clara falls asleep after a long Christmas party, and is swept away by her Nutcracker Prince and journeys through the Land of Snow to a magical realm where enchanted inhabitants of the Kingdom of Sweets dance for her. Among the many enchanted characters she meets on her journey are majestic Snow Queen (Elisabeth Musseman) and her flurry of snowflakes. Her trip culminates with a beautiful Pas de Deux (duet) danced by the Sugarplum Fairy and her Cavalier.
“It was a thrill and honor to perform for our local veterans and first responders, and to dance with such an accomplished professional partner,” said Musseman.
The Classical Ballet Theater of Northern Virginia has been training young dancers in the D.C. Metro area for professional careers with internationally acclaimed classical ballet and modern dance companies including the San Francisco Ballet, Boston Ballet, Houston Ballet, Martha Graham Contemporary Dance Company, Alvin Ailey American Dance Company, and many others for over 25 years.
“It’s Classical Ballet Theatre’s honor to perform some of the area’s highest caliber classical ballet and contemporary dance productions with our military veterans and first responders via our outreach programs,” said Cynthia Donavin, Classical Ballet Theatre Founder and Artistic Director.
Future outreach performances, and applications for aspiring young dancers can be found at cbtnva.org.