submitted by Miss Olivia
Six students from the British School of Ballet in Hoosick Falls auditioned for parts in the Christmas Ballet The Nutcracker. All six girls received parts. Over 200 students from different ballet schools auditioned, and about 40 students were chosen.
Nine year old Lexie Bull from Petersburgh will be a Party Child.
Eight year old Ella Hunt from Eagle Bridge, seven year old Elizabeth Lauver from Cambridge and seven year old Catherine Bitteker from Bennington, VT, will be Polichinellos.
Five year old Greta Bitteker from Bennington will be a Reindeer.
Six year old Alexandra Pederson from Cambridge will be a Mouse.
Miss Olivia stated, “I have had students audition for the past 37 years, and I never had one that didn’t make it.” Lexie, Catherine and Greta danced in The Nutcracker last year.
This production is put on by the Albany Berkshire Ballet Company. Madame Madeline Cantarella Culpo is the Artistic Director and owner of the Cantarella Dance Schools. “It is the best production of The Nutcracker,” said Miss Olivia. “The scenery and the costumes are so beautiful as is the Christmas tree that grows like magic. The children dance like little professionals. The students get very excited when the time comes for dress rehearsals and performances. It is a wonderful experience for them.”
Miss Olivia’s students are dancing in performances in Pittsfield, MA, in the elegantly restored Colonial Theatre. Performances are Saturday, December 6, at 2:30 and 6:30 pm and Sunday, December 7, at 1:30 and 4:30 pm. The ballet company will also be performing in several other cities and states.
If you would like more information on performances or information on dance classes (ballet, Irish step, tap or gymnastics), please call 518-686-9440.