Hickory – A beloved holiday tradition is returning to Hickory and the Unifour area for its performance. The Ann Freeman Dance Academy students, staff, parents, and guests will present Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker at 7:00 p.m. Sunday, December 7th, at the J.E. Broyhill Civic Auditorium in Lenoir. Also, performing are students of the Debbie Huffman Dance Academy and St. Joseph’s Irish Dance School.
The Nutcracker is one of the most well-known ballets in the world and has been performed by every major ballet company. For many, the Christmas season would only be complete with a retelling of this fascinating story. The first act occurs in the real world; however, in the second act, you are transported to a magical kingdom of fanciful characters in the Land of Sweets and, of course, The Nutcracker.
Local dancer Katelynn Eckard will play Clara, and Caroline Carmichael will play Fritz, Clara’s brother. Creed Armstrong will perform the part of The Nutcracker. This cherished Christmas toy comes to life in Clara’s dreams. Sky Samworth is the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Snow Queen, while Everleigh Honeycutt takes on the role of the Rat King. L.A. Freeman will portray Drosselmeyer.
Other featured company members will include Sophia Feduke and Emma Lipps as the Spanish dancers, Sophia Feduke, Everleigh Honeycutt, Emma Lipps, and Aspyn Rink as the Arabians, former dancer Jessica Wall, who is on staff at AFDA, portraying Mother Ginger, and Emma Lipps, Everleigh Honeycutt, and Sky Samworth performing Toy Dolls and Toy Soldier.
Tickets are $15 and may be ordered by calling AFDA at 828.324.6058. Tickets will also be sold at the door. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Children’s Advocacy Center of Caldwell County (dba The Robin’s Nest).
AFDA’s other performances this dance season will include the Hickory Christmas Parade, the Granite Falls Christmas Parade, the Hickory Women’s Expo, and the Spring Recital in May.
