The Nutcracker

2pm

December 15, 2024

“Clara’s Dream” an abbreviated family friendly version of the Nutcracker will be performed by  students of the Darien School of Dance on Sunday, December 15th at Darien High School at 2pm. Dancers as young as 4 up to teens will perform in this ever popular holiday classic with a cast of more than 70 dancers. Designed for the enjoyment of young and old alike, local families don’t have to make the trek into the city anymore to enjoy cultural enrichment. Children love to see other children perform and they will be dazzled by the beautiful sets and costumes. Parents will be happy that the 55 minute performance is a perfect introduction to the ballet for young audiences.  Before the performance audience members will have the chance for a free photo opportunity with a Snow Flake Ballerina followed by a holiday boutique. Tickets ($25) can be purchased at the YWCA or email dariendance@optimum.net  or at the door day of performance for $30. 

Tickets are $25 (general admission, cash or check please made out to Darien School of Dance) 

Tickets will be $30 day of the show at the door starting at 1pm with a show time start at 2pm. Everyone attending the show ages 2 and up will need a ticket. We do not encourage babies under 2 years to attend the show for the sake of the performers and fellow audience members. 

In the lobby starting at 1pm on show day, Sun Dec 15th we will have a holiday boutique for last minute gift items. Please bring cash. We will also make available an opportunity for a photo with a Snowflake Ballerina in a beautiful snow scene. Doors open at 1:30pm.

Performers and Parents:

Last rehearsal at the YWCA before being on stage is Sat, Dec 7th. Attendance is very important!

Dress Rehearsal: Sat Dec 14th, 12-4pm at Darien High School. We will start promptly at 12 noon and we will ask participants to arrive by 11:45am.

Please make sure your daughter has a beige camisole leotard to wear under the costume if she is in more than one dance or if she is more comfortable since she will be changing in a communal dressing area.

New ballet slippers are not needed as long as they are in good condition and free of stains, marks or rips. All strings will be cut.

Parent Helpers will assist your children during dress rehearsal for changing in and out of costume; however dress rehearsal is not drop off (except for ages 8 and up) and parents will remain with their dancers or have a designated parent in charge. 

Darien High is very strict about the no food in the auditorium rule so you will need to plan accordingly and feed your dancer an early lunch and a snack prior to coming and bring water. If you must feed your dancer, please take her out to the lobby area. 

If possible please do not bring younger siblings to dress rehearsal. Running around the auditorium will not be allowed and full concentration will be needed for staff to produce the show.

Photos/Video: Dress rehearsal is a great time to get photos and videos as you can move freely around unlike showtime when flash photography and videotaping is strictly prohibited. 

For reasons of consideration to fellow audience members and choreography rights, I will please ask you and your guests to NOT videotape or take photos during the 2pm Sun performance. Our show will be professionally videotaped and edited. Every family enrolled in the Nutcracker will receive a complete complimentary digital video to share with friends and family. We will also have a professional photographer and all photos will be shared. 

Please note:

Ginger Sweets: We would like to ask Ginger Sweet Parent Helpers to come into the studio Sat, Dec 7th (time to be announced) so we can show how to do their bun since they will be wearing a special headpiece. 

BALLERINA MICE: Can wear their regular class outfit (leo and clean pink tights) and hair does not need to be in bun but pulled away from face into a ponytail with no wispy hairs near face. 

Rockettes: Rockettes will be wearing hats so hair should be in low bun by the base of their neck. 

Russian: Will wear pink convertible tights and no slippers. 

All other dancers will wear pink ballet tights and hair in high bun.

Promotion, Please Help: I will have some flyers made up for display so if you know of an establishment where we could hang it up please ask me for a flyer. We could really use the publicity and appreciate your help!

Show Day, Sun Dec 15th: Dancers will arrive 1pm prior to show time (2pm) in clean pink footed tights, with ballet slippers/tap shoes and hair in bun. One parent will walk dancer to Little Theater or Choral Room Dressing Area and check in with Parent Helper. Pick up after show will be one parent picking up at backstage where you dropped off and checking out with Parent Helper. 

Doors open at 1:30. Prior to the show there will be a free photo opportunity to have a photo with a Snow Flake Ballerina! 

Please tell all your friends, family, neighbors, work associates about this child friendly family holiday event! Showtime is about 55 minutes and a perfect introduction for the younger audience. Professional sound, lighting and gorgeous costumes and sets will wow young and old alike!

Thank you in advance to our Parent Helpers who make this enormous task of producing this wonderful event possible! Please let me know if you would like to be a Parent Helper. You will have front row reserved seats for the show and no need for a ticket. 

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. 

Many thanks for your support!

Brigita Fulton