Veronica Gass, Story Editor
Photo contributed by Maddie Iulo
The Nutcracker, performed by the New England Academy of Dance, celebrated its 40th anniversary December 12th, 13th and 14th. To recognize this, NEAD added new props to this year’s production and kept a special scene for the graduating seniors.
The producers tapped into the props of the holiday season to innovate on the dancers’ entrance to the show. One of the new elements of the show is the sleigh. “It is a new way for Clara and the Nutcracker to travel across the Land of the Sweets,” said Chloe Perkins, a senior whose roles were Spanish Chocolate and Snow. “It also opens to make their throne where they sit throughout the second act. The fairies and angel leaders move the sleigh around.”
Another change this year was the new costume to enhance the magic. Lindsay Hanlon, a senior whose roles were also Spanish Chocolate and Snow. “The show will feature a brand-new Dew Drop costume along with new Spanish and maid costumes,” she said.
Even though there were new adjustments to this year’s performance, a tradition that was kept was the special and memorable dance with the fathers. “A special part of the show is that the senior girls get to be wives and the senior’s dads are the husbands in the party scene,” Chloe said. “It is a special tradition that has been happening for the past couple of years and is really special for the girls enjoying their last year.”
