LYNN — The Greater Salem Ballet Company is gearing up for its 12th annual performance of “The Nutcracker” at the Lynn Auditorium, featuring dancers from across the North Shore.
Lynn Classical High School junior Alanie Manzano has been with GSBC’s Nutcracker journey for 11 out of its 12 performances. Her first year, at the age of 5, she participated in the performance as a little lamb. Now, she’s leading the pack by dancing as The Marzipan Shepherdess.
Manzano appreciates participating in “The Nutcracker” due to its community bonding aspect. She also enjoys exploring versatile aspects of her dancing style.
“My favorite part about being in ‘The Nutcracker’ is getting to play different roles with my best friends. Over the three to four months we spend practicing, I love getting to spend time with my friends on the weekend and getting the opportunity to play different roles with different styles and personalities,” Manzano said.
After tackling an inflamed Achilles this year, Manzano said “getting back on pointe and back to my everyday dancing routine” has “definitely been a challenge.” However, she didn’t let the setback defeat her.
“I’ve learned as a dancer, it’s important to have patience, especially when learning and teaching new things. Things come with time. It’ll come eventually, (and) sometimes people need more time,” she said.
Manzano reflected on her journey with GSBC after 11 years.
“I would 100% recommend having your kids do ‘The Nutcracker.’ I’ve made so many friends and gained great opportunities through dancing with the GSBC, and I’m forever grateful,” she added.
GSBC studio owner Seanna Chmura, said that the company puts on “The Nutcracker” at the Lynn Auditorium to “give dance students an opportunity to perform locally in professional, quality productions while learning in a warm, encouraging, and nurturing environment, which is greatly beneficial in the lives of children, teens, and young adults.”
“Dance is a constant in their lives,” Chmura said. “There is definitely something near and dear to our hearts to produce this holiday classic.”
The performances of GSBC’s “The Nutcracker” will be on Saturday, Dec. 20 at noon and 4 p.m. General tickets start at $20. Tickets can be purchased at lynnauditorium.com or by calling 781-599-7469. They can also be purchased in person at the audience entrance in City Hall at show times and in Room 311 during regular City Hall hours.
The cast list is as follows:
- Professional Dancers: Mamuka Kikalishvili, Nina Matiashvili
- Clara: Olivia Meechin, Salem
- Fritz: Maggie McHarrie, Salem
- Drosselmeyer’s Assistant: Teagan Williams, Swampscott
- Clara’s Cousins: Phoebe Jones, Marblehead, Tenley Brennan, Salem
- Tree Angel: Gabriella Croteau, Danvers
- Gift Doll: Eve Reames, Swampscott
- Jesters: Charlie Bloom, Salem, Nola Lima, Swampcott
- Dancing Bear: Mia Utkina, Marblehead
- Mouse King: Hailey Charest, Salem
- Soldier General: Lily Sanchez, Marblehead
- Baby Mouse: Skylar Jaffe, Marblehead
- Snow Queen: Genevieve DePasquale, Salem
- Angel Princess: Grace Turner, Marblehead
- Spanish Chocolate: Taylor Hiltonen, Salem
- Arabian Coffee: Maia Hains, Swampscott
- Chinese Tea Lead: Giulianna Fazzolari, Swampscott
- Lead Peppermint: Chloe McHarrie, Salem
- Trepak Russian Lead: Serafina Park, Marblehead
- Dew Drop Fairy: Adriana Meechin, Salem
- Marzipan Shepherdess: Alanie Manzano, Lynn
