Williamsburg dance studio to present 7th annual ‘Nutcracker,’ featuring nearly 100 local students, on Dec. 5 – 6

WILLIAMSBURG – Williamsburg-based dance studio SI Dance will present its 7th annual production of The Nutcracker at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5 and Saturday, Dec. 6 at the Crosswalk Church in Norge.

The studio sponsored 40 free tickets for children and their families who could not otherwise afford to attend this year as part of its “Gift for Clara” program, according to Director Noelle Schatzel.

“Many children get their first exposure to ballet through the Nutcracker, and it is my hope that I am igniting a love for ballet in their hearts,” Schatzel said.

The cast includes nearly 100 talented local students who have spent months undergoing intensive preparations to dance in the dazzling holiday show.

This year, the role of Sugar Plum Fairy, usually performed by a professional ballerina, will be played by 17-year-old Warhill High School senior Sarah Neff.

Frederick Davis, an acclaimed professional ballet dancer and native of Brooklyn, New York, has also joined the cast as Cavalier.

Davis is featured in an Emmy-award winning PBS documentary, “From the Streets to the Stage: The Journey of Frederick Davis.” The film focuses on his inspirational rise from surviving homelessness as a child to becoming a world-class professional dancer.

Other major roles include Laramie Hall as Clara, Owen Strelecky as Snow King, Anna Morello as Spanish Queen and Susanna Ray as Queen of Angels.

Before each show, Santa will greet children in the lobby and take free photographs starting at 6 p.m.

The Friday performance is sold out. Tickets are still available for Saturday’s show at 27757.danceticketing.com/r/events/.

Below is a photo gallery highlighting some of the local students starring in this year’s “Nutcracker.”

(Photos courtesy of Movement in Motion Photography)