Los Gatos Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker,” an annual holiday tradition, will host performances from Dec. 16 through 19 at 7 p.m. in the McAfee Center. Three dancers, sophomore Lauren Song, Lily Tran and senior Kaylee Yeung, have parts in the production. Tran is Clara, Yeung is a snowflake and Song is a Russian dancer.
In last year’s production, Song played the role of Clara in the production. “The Nutcracker” follows the young girl when she is given a nutcracker at a Christmas party. In her dreams, the Nutcracker comes to life and together they fight against a mouse king. After victory, the Nutcracker takes her to the Land of Sweets where they meet many characters, such as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Russian dancers.
Song has danced with Los Gatos Ballet for the last six years, during which she advanced from Level 3 to Level 8 as her strength and technique improved. When dancers reach Level 5, they begin dancing on pointe shoes, which are much harder to balance and dance in. By the time they reach the advanced division — Levels 7 and 8 — dancers are in the studio for around 20 hours a week. While they still work on enhancing their technique, they are given the opportunity to focus on artistic choices as a dancer.
“To earn the main character role of Clara, it just took a lot of determination,” Song said. “There were times where I didn’t want to go to class or I wanted to skip rehearsal, but I feel like each minute counts for so much technique and so much work. You just have to stick through it and keep going.”
Song is moving to Florida with her family in the spring, so this will be her last “Nutcracker” with Los Gatos Ballet, saying: “I’m definitely kind of sad, but I’m also excited for what’s to come. My friends and I are […] going 110% for everything.”
While Song was the main character in last year’s production, this year, Tran will take the main stage as Clara. Starting at the Los Gatos Ballet at the age of 2, she has since risen to Level 8, the highest level offered at the studio. Since her studio has put on “The Nutcracker” annually, Tran has found the production to be very nostalgic as she has grown up alongside her developing roles over the years.
“I was so surprised that I got Clara when casting came out, since I didn’t expect it,” Tran said. “It is a pretty big stepping stone for me since I had to learn to take charge as the lead. There’s a lot to memorize and know, but I just try to play with the character and have fun with it.” Acting is a big part of ballet because no words are spoken. The role of Clara opens an increasing amount of acting opportunities for the performer.
Every year, “The Nutcracker” performances coincide with finals week, presenting difficult challenges for the dancers. Typically, performers request to take their final exams early for a less stressful week. In past years, dancers would stay up late and run on adrenaline during the show; however, they have learned how to plan their studying more efficiently.
“So far it’s been exciting, and I can’t wait until we get to put this on the stage and […] experience the full magic of ‘The Nutcracker,’” Tran said.
