On December 4 and 5, the Dance Foundation of Maryland and Morton Street Dance Center will present a truly special Nutcracker at Chesapeake Arts Center. Born out of the pandemic and presented at a time when representation in the arts seems so critical, this fast-paced, original Nutcracker featuring dancers aged 7-64 is packed with spirit, spectacle, and the enchanting beauty of ballet.

Director Donna L. Jacobs says: “In this world of many Nutcrackers, few performances provide a broad opportunity for young dancers of color to shine in these roles and to appreciate the richness of such magnificent music and artistry. I am thrilled that we can produce such a significant show at a time when our young people have been through the traumas, isolation, and chaos that the pandemic has laid bare for them. It is a delight to see them caught up in the magic of the art and in the beauty of the fantasy.”

Ten-year-old Sophie Faustin, who plays the coveted lead child's role of Clara Marie, says "This part gives me a chance to be a role model. When I was younger, the older girls gave me lots of inspiration, and they still do. I hope I can be inspiring to other kids too." For Faustin, dance is "a good way to show emotion and let out energy." "I just love to dance," she says. "It’s my favorite thing."

Telling Clara Marie's story through movement "makes me feel awesome and incredible," Faustin says. "I’ve learned how to be a better dancer. I’ve met more teachers and made more friends because of this role. It’s been really fun and I don’t want it to end."

High school senior Ella Box, whose multiple Nutcracker roles include Mother Ginger, party guest, and soldier, says "I dance because it brings me joy and it is an incredible outlet for self-expression." Box's favorite section is the battle scene between mice and soldiers "because of the amount of action and power we get to exhibit as dancers. It is also a very difficult scene to put together! There are a lot of moving parts (and swords!)."

As Mother Ginger, Box is a mentor to younger dancers who play her children, the Bon Bons. "I hope they learn to fill the stage with their energy and acting," she says. "It's an awesome experience to help them because I remember looking up to so many older dancers when I was their age."

Launching a new Nutcracker is an ambitious undertaking. A team of creative artists has been working for months to create original costumes, exciting lighting designs, and energetic choreography. Several of Full Circle's dancers have been involved with the planning and choreography as well as with rehearsals of young dancers. The result is labor of love that celebrates both ballet tradition and youthful energy--a show that will captivate audiences of all ages with its holiday spirit.