The Nutcracker Ballet

This year, the holiday theme in my classroom was "Children's Classics Expressed in the Fine Arts." Even though I wasn't there to teach it, the sub taught the kids about how classic books not only are made into movies, but into operas and ballets, too.

As part of the unit, we did a winter learning trip and went to a performance of The Nutcracker Ballet this afternoon. Since it was a Saturday, it wasn't an official field trip, and parents had to come with their children. Jessica Albrecht, another teacher at Hershey (and a ballerina herself) brought her class along with mine, and we had about 80 people in the audience.

My mother and sisters, Leslie and Jenny, have made this a tradition the past couple of years and attend the Saturday matinee with me. And, since every year the ballet company change costumes and dances, it is always new.

Three former students and one current one danced in the production this year.

 Me, Kathleen Loftus (a 4th/5th grader currently in my class), and Caroline Loftus (one of my 3rd/4th/5th graders, now a 7th grader.) Kathleen danced as a soldier and in Trepak (the costume she is wearing in this picture.) Caroline played Fritz, Clara's naughty brother. In three years in my classroom, Caroline NEVER, EVER did anything except her best, so it was fun to see her pretend to be naughty! She also was on toe as a snowflake, and then played an angel (her costume here.)

 We asked her to show off her wings - her dad teased her and called her the goddess Athena!

Me, Meredith Roberts ( a 2nd/4th/5th grader who is now a 6th grader at East Tipp), and Madeline Roberts (3rd/4th/5th, now a 7th grader.) Meredith performed as a mouse in the battle and then in Trepak (the costume she is wearing.) Madeline played one of Fritz's friends, a soldier, and finally danced in Chocolate (her costume here.) Madeline only began dancing two years ago, but she seems to have some real talent.