ARTS
SWEETNESS
Loveland Dance Academy performs The Nutcracker. (Jill Strait /Monica Thomas/ Loveland Dance Academy)
By WENDY MCMILLAN FOR LOVELAND MAGAZINE
Loveland delivers magic with iconic classic It’s as timeless as mistletoe. Whether you’re captivated by the choreography, enchanted by the music, or dazzled by visions of sugar plum fairies, chances are your holiday traditions include a performance of The Nutcracker. Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet seems as synonymous with the season as Santa himself. And here in Loveland, we are spoiled with two opportunities to enjoy.
Loveland Dance Academy
For a guaranteed dose of warm fuzzies, you won’t want to miss Loveland’s only performance of the holiday tale featuring local artists—the tal6 LOVELAND MAGAZINE
ented students of Loveland Dance Academy and The Conservatory of Greeley! Now in its eighth year, the beloved show is organized, produced and choreographed by Loveland Dance Academy teacher and Artistic Director, Jenni Leinweber. Passionate about dance, Leinweber goes the extra mile and beyond to ensure everyone involved has the chance to shine. “Ms. Jenni creates roles that open up the play to everyone,” says Loveland Dance Academy Event Manager, Chelsea Garza. “Our take on the classic includes reindeer, candy canes…a whole bunch of fun additions.” Auditions are held in June, representing the opportunity for young dancers to declare interest and for older students to present themselves for key roles. No one who desires to be involved is turned down. Ultimately, ReporterHerald.com - LovelandMag.com
the cast consists of approximately 100 youth, ages three to 18, with roughly 50 adult volunteers, some of whom participate in the action onstage. “It’s a true family affair,” Garza says. “We have parents who volunteer backstage, help with costumes, and perform. When we have [high school] seniors dancing, we specifically invite their parents to participate onstage, to share their child’s last Nutcracker experience with us.” For parents participating in the play, no dance experience is necessary. Leinweber and fellow Loveland Dance Academy instructor Nessa Kerr, facilitate simple roles that can be mastered in just a few rehearsals and to the overall emotion for audience and performers alike. Don’t let the family-centric focus convey the sense that this production is anything December 2018/January 2019
