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November 25, 2009

Dancing dreams come true

Local dancers bring 'The Nutcracker' to life

By Julie Huss

With a poised point of the toe, and her dress flowing behind, Natalie Clark took a whirl in the dance studio alongside her friend Marissa Proulx. A young sense of elegance and grace seemed to take over the young pair as they spiraled and moved from one ballet step to the next.

For Clark and Proulx, this is not only hard work, but a labor of love as they prepare to take on the coveted role of Clara in the New England Dance Ensemble performances of "The Nutcracker" this weekend at the Windham High School.

Both girls will dance the part of the young Clara, each having a turn interpreting and dancing the role of a young ballerina's lifetime, where holiday magic comes to life in the forms of dancing mice, princesses, a Snow Queen, and a handsome nutcracker.

Guest artists from the American Ballet Theatre in New York City also join the New England Dance Ensemble Nutcracker cast.

For Proulx, 13, and Clark, 11, being Clara is a dream come true and a culmination of many, many years of hard work at the Londonderry Dance Academy where they have studied under artistic director Barbara Mullen for many years. New England Dance Ensemble is the resident dance company at the Academy.

Hundreds of young dancers came out in September to audition for roles in "The Nutcracker" with the two Derry girls taking top honors as this year's Clara.

But this isn't the first year these two have been on stage in the holiday ballet classic. Clark said her first "Nutcracker" role was that of a baby doll. Proulx said she has danced as soldiers, angels, and also baby dolls through the years at the Londonderry studio. The girls have been dancing almost as long as they have been walking, and now playing Clara is a high point.

And it's not just about the ballet, Mullen pointed out during a weekend rehearsal. Both Proulx and Clark were chosen to be Clara for their ballet talents and also for their ability to bring emotion and a little girl's hopes and dreams to life on the stage.

Mullen said she also saw something in these two that made them perfect for Clara, something she could see in them that made her certain these two could do the part.

"They are going to give 100 percent," Mullen said.

Joining Clara on stage this weekend is Litchfield student Andrew Matte, 16, who will play the Nutcracker. Matte has also studied dance for many, many years and is well-trained for the role, Mullin said.

And it's more than technique, or how well students can learn a step or dance a ballet role, Mullen added. It's the feeling of being able to give young dancers an opportunity to dance with professionals from top ballet companies while instilling in them a sense of success and community, and life's lessons and opportunities.

Mullen points out dance can free a soul to search for things in life, and can help a student be respectful and kind as they go about their everyday lives.

Add in the talent, the discipline, and the technique and it's a perfect package for her students to gain valuable insight as they grow and mature.

"These are the lessons I want them to learn," Mullen said. "They get to work with professionals and they have the time of their lives."

Clark said she can't imagine a day without dance.

"It's almost my entire life," she said, "without a doubt.

Proulx agreed

"It's my life," Proulx said, "and I can't imagine not doing it."

Mullen established The New England Dance Ensemble in 1986 with a mission to combine the talents of local pre-professional dancers, with currently performing professionals from national and international companies .

"It's all about giving somebody that moment," she said.

Performances of "The Nutcracker" are set for Nov. 28 at 7 p.m. and again on Nov. 29 at 2 p.m. at the Windham High School auditorium. Information and tickets for "The Nutcracker" are available online at www.nede.org.

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