Berks Ballet Theatre presents its 43rd production of The Nutcracker on Dec. 14 and 15 at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in West Reading. For the third year in a row, the company is accompanied by the Reading Pops Orchestra, who flawlessly deliver Tchaikovsky’s memorable score. For many families in Berks County, The Nutcracker is a treasured tradition in more ways than one. Berks Ballet Theatre company members spend an average of 25 hours together every week between their daily ballet classes and weekend rehearsals. Spending this much time together often creates and fosters special bonds akin to family. We spoke with three senior company members who are graduating in the spring to see what dance training and performing in The Nutcracker means to them.
For Ahna Romanski, 17, a student at Governor Mifflin High School, dance training goes beyond the foundation for which building ballet is known.
“What I found to be most valuable about my experience is the friendships I’ve made,” says Romanski. “I enjoy the small class sizes and very personal instruction which allow me to develop valuable relationships with my fellow dancers as well as my teachers. All of the girls are extremely talented and driven but still show immense support for one another’s successes in and outside the studio. This lesson of appreciating the talents that each individual brings to the table is one that I will carry with me into the future.”
Hard work and support are attributes of a tight-knit family, and as it turns out, that’s what many students and teachers feel when they enter the dance studio at Berks Ballet Theatre for training or rehearsal. In addition to a family environment and working together on something the participants are passionate about, there are valuable life lessons discovered at the studio as well.
“I have learned from dance that it is okay to fail. Dance is full of trial and error and if you do not give yourself opportunities to make mistakes, you will never be able to succeed,” says Katie Riddle, 17, of Wyomissing. She realized an invaluable lesson — one that many adults find hard to grasp — through her training, which began at age 7. Amber Warchol, 17, of Exeter Township, adds that “having long rehearsal days from a very young age has taught [her] the importance of working hard inside and outside the studio. The discipline practiced in the studio it has given [her] strength, perseverance, and has helped [her] mature physically, socially and cognitively.”
While dancers of all ages often uncover wonderful life lessons through their training, specifically rehearsing for The Nutcracker means something indicative of the holiday season. For each student asked, “what does The Nutcracker mean to you?” their responses each followed a similar sentiment. To paraphrase, “The magic of The Nutcracker brings everyone together and creates a tighter bond between us every year and to share in the joy of performing with friends who have become family.”
The holiday season is a wonderful time for family and friends to come together to create life-long memories, and Berks Ballet Theatre’s production of The Nutcracker is no exception as it is one of the most magical experiences for families in Berks.
Tickets for The Nutcracker are on sale now. You have just three chances to catch this festive show, Dec. 14 at 1 and 6pm, and Dec. 15 at 2pm. For more, visit berksballettheatre.com/tickets
