The Nutcracker Opens December 3 at West Potomac High School

Principal Jessica Statz to take the stage again

Susan Mulligan Fleischman November 3, 2025

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Statz in Nutcracker 2 — WPHS Principal Jessica Statz on stage in The Nutcracker in 2024. She will be performing again in this year’s shows. Photo courtesy of Jessica Statz

Alexandria, VA – The days are shorter, temperatures are dropping, and leaves are falling. That must mean it’s almost time for the annual holiday extravaganza, ArtSpireVA’s The Nutcracker.

This is ArtSpireVA’s 17th annual production of the holiday standard, which always features a bevy of familiar dance numbers in both classic and unconventional interpretations. West Potomac High School (WPHS) Principal Jessica Statz will once again take the stage in The Nutcracker this December.

This year’s Nutcracker features new choreography, including a Bollywood dance, and a cast of more than 200 dancers ranging in age from 3 to adult. This is perhaps the most engaging, fun, colorful, and entirely entertaining production of The Nutcracker you’ll ever see. Fun Fact: The parents of Clara were a former Clara and Drosselmeyer in 2016 and 2017.

Purple tutu dancers — The Purple Tutu dancers bring beauty and magic to the Land of the Sweets. Photo by Patricia Herrera

Principal Statz joined the production last year after hearing that previous WPHS principals sometimes made a cameo appearance. But Statz was up for full participation. “I wanted to do all the shows, not just appear in only one,” she said. “I meet future Wolverines (WPHS mascot) when they’re in elementary and middle school, plus I connect with current Wolverines and get to know their families.”

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For Statz, it’s imperative to stay visible and connected in a large school community. “Schools get so big and principals get so lost. We’re just a name and not a face. I want my kids to know me. I knew my principal growing up and that’s how I’ve modeled my career.”

Nutcracker 3 — Party scene magic — and just like that, the soldiers come alive! Photo by Patricia Herrera

After a successful debut last year in The Nutcracker, Statz is returning for another season. “It’s a little exhausting with rehearsals and back-to-back performances. I’m not as young as I used to be!” She laughed, and added, “But the energy I put in is so worth the output and connection to this school and community. I feel so fortunate.”

Shimmering wings, sparkling lights — Angels bring magic to the stage. Photo by Patricia Herrera

Tickets are available at www.artspireva.com and at the door of Springbank Auditorium at WPHS, 6500 Quander Road in Alexandria. All proceeds benefit ArtSpireVA’s scholarship programs.

Performances: