JAMES CITY — Every year that Noelle Schatzel has given away tickets to her dance company’s performance of “The Nutcracker,” more people facing tight finances have asked for help.
Over the past five years, the number of gifted tickets from SI Dance’s “A Gift from Clara” program has grown from 12 to 45. Schatzel, the ballet’s artistic director, covered the cost for 36 of those $30 tickets last year, with just nine sponsored by businesses.
As a cast of about 100 children and adults rehearses for this year’s December performances, Schatzel is hoping that more local companies and individuals will step forward to buy and donate tickets to the program.
“The arts should be accessible to everyone, and I want more kids to fall in love with ballet,” she said. “I know from my own childhood that watching ‘The Nutcracker’ — and dancing in it — is such an incredible and beautiful way to create family memories. And I have a big family, so I get it that costs can add up.”
Schatzel, a mother of five kids ages 2½ to 14, had already received two requests for “A Gift from Clara” tickets by late September. SI Dance plans to set aside at least 24 tickets for donation, although that almost certainly won’t be enough.
“A Gift from Clara” is named for one of the main characters of the classic Tchaikovsky ballet, which SI Dance is producing for the seventh year. The cast, ages 7 through adulthood, has been rehearsing since the end of August.
This year’s show will have several new elements, including redone choreography, updated costumes and a life-sized gingerbread house built by the father of one of the dancers. Real-life sisters will play siblings Clara and Fritz, whose rivalry leads to a broken nutcracker and Clara’s magical adventures in the Land of Sweets.
The demanding role of the Sugar Plum fairy, typically performed by a professional ballerina, will be danced by Sarah Neff, a 17-year-old senior at Warhill High School. Neff has taken ballet since age 2 and has handled multiple lead roles in “The Nutcracker” over the past six seasons.
An aspiring doctor, Neff will be paired with a professional male dancer as the Cavalier, a prince-like figure. “I’m still in complete shock,” she said. “I started off as a party boy early on, and I’m very nervous but so excited to have reached the very top in what is my final Nutcracker.”
Like Schatzel, Neff feels strongly about the power of “A Gift from Clara.”
“The holiday season should be about giving back to those in need. Everyone needs a little spirit and love in their lives, and seeing this show is such a pick-me-up.”
To sponsor or request “A Gift from Clara” tickets, email sidancenutcracker@gmail.com. Performances of “The Nutcracker” are scheduled for 7 p.m. Dec. 5 and 6 at CrossWalk Church Norge, 7575 Richmond Road. Visit 27757.danceticketing.com for tickets.
Alison Johnson, ajohnsondp@yahoo.com
