Alexandria, VA – This is the time when audiences are invited to visit Clara’s dream and become swept away to the magical land of sweets in the Alexandria Community Nutcracker. Opening December 4 to area Scout troops, ArtSpireVa presents its 16th annual version of this magical holiday tradition.
If you’ve ever been to this outstanding area performance which pulls almost 200 dancers from some nine different studios to create a unique experience each year, you know this year’s performances will blow us away with surprises.
This summer West Potomac senior, Grace Kidwell, earned her dream role of portraying Clara in this year’s show. A senior dance team member at West Potomac High School, Grace was diagnosed with autism at age two (she learned this when she was 11).
“I was pretty sure I was kind of different,” recalls Grace, “because I had a really hard time making friends and being around lots of people.” She has been dancing her entire life and says she feels extremely happy when she’s dancing. Having autism has not hindered her but pushed her to reach goals that others deemed not possible for her. Her wish to other dancers with autism is to let them know you can get “really cool roles” too if you work hard and have a good stage presence. Grace eventually wants to become a veterinarian.
Producer Gennifer Difilippo (also the founder and director of ArtSpireVa) told The Zebra that Grace was their clear choice to be cast as Clara this year. “Grace is a beautiful ballerina who carries herself with poise and confidence,” said Difilippo. “She embodies everything we want for our Clara in our community nutcracker.”
Grace’s West Potomac Varsity Dance Coach and Assistant Director/Choreographer of the show, Zandy Sosa, has watched Grace grow since she was a freshman on the West Potomac dance team. “She has a great sense of humor and really connects with people; her relationships with her friends has truly helped her blossom,” Sosa comments. “Grace lights up and is so beautiful on stage. She looks so graceful and when she smiles and dances you are captivated by her.”
Along with Difilippo and Sosa, Courtney Betzel, Chelsie Kestermann, Stacey Wallach, and Megan Siosan act as choreographers for dancers ages 4-18, incorporating ballet, tap, jazz, gymnastics, and hip-hop. This year the production is partnering for the first time with the Boyle School of Irish Dance, whose creative and rousing performances are not your typical Nutcracker ballet.
Almost everyone knows someone involved in the Alexandria Community Nutcracker, and this year you will even catch West Potomac Principal Jessica Statz as a character in the show, along with other administration and teachers. “I’m humble that they asked me to be a part of this,” comments Statz. “I think it’s a great way to have a connection to the community and get to know some of the younger folks who will eventually be coming into my building.”
The group is excited because the Purple Tutu dancers again have a special role in the program, in the Land of the Sweets. The Purple Tutu Ballet VA (an ArtSpireVa- sponsored program) enriches the lives of children with Down Syndrome through dance.
The show opens for local Scout troops on Wednesday, December 4 at 5:30 p.m. Shows open to the public begin Thursday, December 5 at 5:30 p.m.; Friday, December 6 at 6:30 p.m.; and Saturday, December 7, 2:00 and 5:30 p.m. at the West Potomac High School Auditorium, 6500 Quander Rd., Alexandria.
Alexandria’s Community Nutcracker tickets are available at artspireva.com. Proceeds benefit the ArtSpireVa scholarship program. ArtSpireVa is a multi-faceted nonprofit organization that provides scholarships for youth to experience the fine and performing arts and inspires, uplifts and heals those in need through dance performances.
