MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. --
More
than 1,000 members of the local community watched the New Bern Ballet Company
perform its rendition of “The Nutcracker” at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry
Point, N.C., Dec. 6.
Performing
for their fourth consecutive year at Cherry Point, the cast dedicated countless
hours to master the intricate choreography.
Every hour
the dancers practiced were well worth it, said Laura Kami, the artistic
director of the New Bern Ballet Company.
The
audience cheered and laughed as the dancers performed the two act play.
“This is
my second year on base and it was great,” said Kim Heist, an attendee at the
play. “The show was fun. It’s a great way to put everyone in the Christmas
spirit.”
The show
brings good cheer to spouses of Marines and Sailors who are deployed, said
Heist.
The
Nutcracker is based on the story “The Nutcracker and the King of Mice,” written
by E.T.A. Hoffman.
The
company presented its 10th performance of the ballet and is already looking
forward to next year’s rendition.
The
performers showed their love for the art form and worked hard to ensure the
performance was enjoyable for both the participants and audience members. Some
of the dancers accepted the role of more than two characters and enjoyed every
minute.
“I have
been with the company since I was 6 years old,” said Anna Chance, the maid
snowflake and lead Spanish dancer with the company. “I always have fun
performing for Cherry Point. The audience makes us feel great by cheering for us.”
Although
Chance is not a member of the military community, she loves performing for
service members.
“I feel
good performing for service members,” said Chance. “They help us by protecting
our freedom and this is how we say thank you.”