It didn’t matter that snow, pine forests and nutcrackers weren’t a part of Ofelia Blanchard’s childhood in the Philippines, because fairytales were.
And like all children around the world, the magic of dancing mice, sugar plum fairies and a stoic soldier sends her mind spinning into a cozy feeling of awe.
“We are all brought up on fairytales. It wasn’t really as strange to me as it should have been,” she said, as she recalled watching Ballet Philippines as a girl in Manila.
Today, Blanchard keeps abreast with her passion for dance as Howe Sound Dance Academy’s administrator. It’s a busy time for the academy, as 33 of its students get set to put on the school’s own production of The Nutcracker.
The classic ballet seems to have become a recurring event for the academy, she noted. It’s a huge production, with youth learning multiple roles so they can dance various parts, Blanchard said. Older students help younger performers and all hands are on deck as the set, costumes and last-minute preparations get whisked into place before the curtain rises.
“We wanted to pretty much give everybody a chance to do their thing,” Blanchard said.
The Nutcracker is an indicator that Christmas decorations are about to be hauled up and carols heard, she said. The Tchaikovsky ballet pops up in theatres around the world ushering in the festive season. Every dance company adds its own special touch to the holiday classic, Blanchard says.
“It is really entertainment for all ages.”
At Howe Sound Dance Academy, Blanchard has watched the students’ progress through the roles. A snowflake may advance to the position of sugar plum fairy, and if lucky, the coveted character of Clara.
“Some of the younger ones are performing major parts,” Blanchard said.
One of them is 14-year-old Graeme Bowers. As the only boy in the production, Graeme is the Nutcracker Prince, along with a slew of other characters. Bowers seems to be pirouetting in the same circle as his older sister Sarah.
Last July, Sarah ventured to New York to study at Gelsey Kirkland Academy of Classical Ballet.
The Christmas magic comes to life on stage on Dec. 5 and 6 at the Eagle Eye Theatre. There will be two night performances at 7:30 p.m. and one matinee on Dec. 6 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $25 and can be bought at the dance studio at 41340 Government Rd. or 37829 Second Ave.
For more information visit www.howesounddance.com.
