Dancers have grown up. The dance studio has even changed hands. But as is tradition every other year in Bridgeport, Studio 9 Dance Academy – formerly Annabel Timms School of Ballet – will host “A Children’s Nutcracker” on the stage of Bridgeport High School.

 

Since the first show in 1996, Tchiakovsky’s Christmas classic has been shortened and modified to make it appealing to children and to reflect talents of the young performers. It has been tweaked throughout the years – and 2021 is no exception.

 

“I changed it a little to make it fit the girls and what they’ve been working on and to showcase them,” said Heather Campbell, owner of Studio 9.

 

Campbell’s daughter, Emma Hansberry, will portray Clara. The Sugar Plum Fairy is played by Kaleigh Saltis and the Snow Queen by Cadence Kelley. Sophia Devono will portray the Arabian Queen and Madison Hansberry is the Dew Drop Fairy. Rachel and Brian Jarvis will play the mother and Here Drosselmeyer, respectively, and Payton Tomes fills the role of Fritz. The Mouse King is portrayed by Bella Dobranski and in the title role of Nutcracker is Olivia Weaver, one of Campbell’s teachers at Studio 9.

 

There is an ensemble role for all other dancers, from preschool-age through high school.

 

“There is the party scene – ladies, maids, Clara’s friends and the boys – and the battle with the mice and soldiers,” Campbell said. “Then there are variations – snow angels, candy canes, Arabians, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, reed flutes, Mother Ginger and the jesters, as well as Waltz of the Flowers.”

 

Campbell was in the very first show in 1997. Her daughters Emma, Madison and Grace are also growing up being part of the holiday performance. There are many others.

 

“It’s so cool to see our little ones watching the older girls in their roles and talking about wanting to play those parts someday,” Campbell said.

Catch a performance of “A Children’s Nutcracker” 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 11 and 3 p.m. Dec. 12 at BHS. Tickets are $10 each and will be available at Studio 9 Dance Academy all this week, as well as at the door of both performances.

 

Campbell encourages parents to bring their children as the show will not be available during school hours to school children this year. If cost is a hindrance, contact the studio to make special arrangements.