WEB EXCLUSIVE

University Performing Arts Centre, a local dance studio, held their annual Nutcracker show last Friday. This event took place at Oviedo on The park with two shows, one at five o’clock and one at seven thirty. Audience members were able to purchase a family circle, to maintain social distancing while watching the performance. This was UPAC’s seventh annual performance of the Nutcracker. 

Both shows lasted two hours with a ten minute intermission in between Act 1 and Act 2. This holiday ballet favorite told the story of a young girl, Clara, who receives a nutcracker that comes to life on Christmas Eve. The story starts with a party scene, then battle scene, followed by the land of sweets. 

Auditions are held at the studio towards the beginning of the school year for every dancer who is interested in being a part of the Nutcracker. If a dancer would like to be considered for a lead role like Clara, Snow Queen, or the Sugar Plum Fairy then they will audition in the summer and in August. 

When performing everyone needs to wear a costume. Each dancer will have a different costume for each part they are in. For example, if someone is a part of Clara’s friends and is also the Snow Queen, then they will have different costumes for each. 

The most important part in putting this show together is choreography and rehearsals. The dance is rehearsed every Saturday from August to December, with a couple of dress rehearsals when the show date gets closer. 

The Nutcracker is a very popular part of Oviedo on the Park’s Twelve Days of Christmas special every year. Next year be sure to come and support UPAC!