Young dancers take on lead roles in Christmas classic “The Nutcracker” | Global News Avenue

“The Nutcracker” in new york city ballet is a holiday classic that draws thousands to Lincoln Center each year.

The company has always performed ballet by george balanchine It has been held every year since 1954. The show takes viewers from the pageantry of a glittering Christmas party to A young girl’s dream world Channeled by the Nutcracker-turned-Prince. For young dancers, “Prince” is a coveted role.

Hannon Hchett, 10, and Finlay McCurdy-Van Alstine, 11, are the dancers sharing the much-loved roles this year. The two are living their dream and having a lot of fun doing it. The two began dancing when they were three years old. Finley said he can’t even remember what drew him to the art form.

“I guess I like to put all my energy into doing something fun because I have a lot of energy,” Finley said.

Now, that energy comes through when each boy performs. They love to put their own spin on classic choreography and thrive in front of large audiences at every performance.

“I just love it, having 2,500 people watching you,” Hannon said.

The boys had no idea of ​​stage fright.

“I was more afraid of going to swimming lessons than being on that stage,” Finley said. “I’m looking forward to this.”

School of American Ballet faculty member Dena Abergel, who helped select the children’s roles, said it was a joy to watch “The Nutcracker” performed for children. New opportunities for young dancers each year.

“That’s what I love about ‘The Nutcracker’ year after year, because every year a new kid gets a chance to be on stage,” Aberg said. “A prince shouldn’t be someone who looks and acts exactly the same. The role of a prince is to be that character.”

Children don’t think much about what happens after The Nutcracker. But as the holidays come to an end, they know the moment is fleeting.

“The way I look at things, it’s been a really fun time for me,” Finley said. “So if I’m feeling sad or frustrated for whatever reason, I can come back and I can look back on this time. I can think ‘Oh, that was really fun to do.'”

Now, they are looking for happiness every minute, whether on or off stage.

“When people look at you and you’re doing something and you make them feel good, it feels good to make them feel happy,” Finley said. “It feels good.”