The Newberg Graphic Online

Splendor of the ‘Nutcracker’ will appear at NHS

Performing arts — Tigard dance studio stages Christmas favorite in NHS auditorium

• By: David Sale  
• Published: 12/1/2009 3:24:36 PM

Submitted photo
Presented by Fired Up Dance Academy, the classic ballet “The Nutcracker” will be performed Friday and Saturday in the Newberg High School auditorium.

   Newberg residents won’t have to go far to enjoy a popular holiday tradition this year as a Tigard dance school is bringing “The Nutcracker” to town.
   Presented by Fired Up Dance Academy, the classic ballet will be performed at 7 p.m. Friday and 2  and 7 p.m. Saturday in the Newberg High School auditorium. Tickets are $16 per person, available at the door.
   “Several of our students are from Newberg and their parents encouraged us to bring the show to town,” said head instructor Carene Boersma, who choreographed and directed the show. “I’m glad we took their advice — it’s an excellent facility for performance.”
   Opened four years ago, the studio offers jazz, hip-hop and tap dancing as well as ballet. This is Fired Up’s first production of “The Nutcracker,” and a personal milestone for Boersma.
   “It’s been a dream of mine since I got into dance,” she said, adding that as an instructor she felt a responsibility to teach the classic ballet. “I wanted to pass the tradition on to my students.”
   Cast members range in age from 4 to 53 years old and “they have all worked so very hard,” Boersma said.
   First performed in 1892, “The Nutcracker Suite” was written by Russian composer Peter Tchaikovsky, who also penned “Swan Lake.” The Nutcracker’s popularity as an annual holiday entertainment began in 1954, due to the efforts of noted American choreographer George Balanchine.

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