Submitted by Centralia Ballet Academy
In 2020, when live performances of The Nutcracker were canceled, Centralia Ballet Academy safely put the show on in a barn, filmed it, and released it as a movie via Amazon streaming.? In 2021, they were allowed to return to the theater but at only half capacity.? Last year, they put on the show to packed houses, but a few weeks before it opened, two of the lead male dancers were in a devastating car accident that resulted in extended hospital stays.? The show went on with the help of an understudy and a former student who stepped into the roles, and the Snow Queen and Sugar Plum Fairy, who worked hard to help with the pas de deux choreography. Fortunately, both boys eventually recovered and, over the past year, focused on their health and healing.? This December, one will return to perform his roles of Snow King and Cavalier, while the other will take on stage manager duties.??
Over the past 15 years, Centralia Ballet Academy has experienced its share of setbacks.? But they were able to triumphantly meet every one of these challenges because they make it a priority not only to?provide kids of southwest Washington a safe and positive place to learn the art of dance but also to give the residents of their community the opportunity to engage in the arts.??
Also, to celebrate this return to the stage, Centralia Ballet is working with The Salvation Army, The United Way, and the Lewis County Foster Parent Association to offer free tickets to families in need.
Centralia Ballet’s annual production of The Nutcracker will be performed on Saturday, December 2 (2 p.m. & 7 p.m.) and Sunday, December 3 (1 p.m. & 5 p.m.).? The show is a fun and festive way to kick off the holiday season and a testimony to the power of art and community.??
