It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.
You know that, because this weekend “The Nutcracker” dances into town.
The Westport Academy of Dance‘s 36th annual production is set for tomorrow and Sunday (December 2 and 3) at Staples High School.
It’s an area-wide show — but Westporters figure prominently. Staples seniors Julia Rosier, Rachel Wolfe, Kelley Flynn, Jessie Parker and Izzy Chun are featured performers. They and their 120 fellow dancers began rehearsing in August.
Izzy Chun takes the spotlight.
It never gets old: This is the 12th “Nutcracker” for Julia and Rachel.
It’s also the 6th — and last — year that Rachel will dance with her dad.
In 2012, Michael volunteered for the role of “Father.” (The dance role, that is. He’d already fulfilled his biological and emotional roles.)
Michael has been all-in, doing something most fathers never think about — let alone follow through with. Two years ago, he wrote about the experience on his blog.
Michael and Rachel Wolfe.
But they’re not the only Westport father/daughter team. Jessie’s dad Greg has worked backstage for 7 years. Like Michael, he wanted to do what he could to share his then-little girl’s passion.
Everyone knows “The Nutcracker” story. But there are always stories behind the story.
For the final time this weekend, Michael Wolfe and Greg Parker will enjoy theirs.
(“The Nutcracker” will be performed tomorrow [Saturday, December 2] at 3 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, December 3 at 2 p.m. Click here for tickets.)
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful story! Congratulations to all the dancers.
Thanks Dan! Besides the inevitable embarrassment of trying to pretend I posess even basic coordination, it’s been a blast to be a part of my daughter’s experience. But allow me to also salute the huge collection of Moms backstage during each production…it takes an amazing amount of diligence and organization to corral so many dancers into such a seamless production, and the volunteers in the wings and dressing rooms are the real key to the show. Trust me…,it’s MUCH easier for me to be on stage than to manage that chaos. Kudos to the whole crew!
What a fortunate father….and what a fortunate daughter! Their life long memories will be precious.