For the first time in three years, Agape Dance Academy will be giving a pair of free performances of the beloved holiday classic, “The Nutcracker.”
Agape Dance Academy owner Melanie Useldinger, the primary instructor, artistic director for “The Nutcracker,” said that the inspiration behind the free performances came from the annual free Christmas concerts put on by Twin Lakes Church.
“I was super inspired by that, especially when I would watch outside… and I would see whole families coming all dressed up in their Sunday best,” Useldinger explained.
Going to see a live performance of “The Nutcracker” is expensive and well worth the money, but many families cannot afford to attend. This is Useldinger’s gift to the community, so that those interested can see this holiday treat with no expense.
“When I decided to do it for free, it’s not like I had a solution to that budget,” she said.
At present, the Agape Dance Academy’s nonprofit foundation is pending, so a fundraiser was held on Nov. 1 that was inspired by the free “Nutcracker” performance.
“It was awesome, it’s just so exciting to see how the community comes together when they are inspired,” Useldinger said.
When she told the Pajaro Valley Arts Association about her idea to have a free “Nutcracker,” they responded by giving her a $500 grant to get her started.
“At that time I decided to be committed to it whether it was out of my pocket or not,” Useldinger stated. “If this goes well, then I would hope to continue it in the future.”
Both professional dancers and Agape students will be presenting the show, she said.
Fourteen-year-old Aly Ely is an Agape student and will be performing a solo for the first time in this year’s rendition.
Last year, she was a columbine doll in “The Nutcracker” and this year, she will be dancing as ballerina doll.
“I have grown up a lot since then and I was a partnering doll last year, so that was really fun, but it’s my first time being in ‘The Nutcracker’ doing a solo,” Ely said.
“The Nutcracker” features over 100 costumes created by Terri Contini.
“It takes me from August until the show — working full time — to make 60 costumes,” she said.
Another Agape student, Claire Kimball, 12, is performing three roles for this year’s Nutcracker and has helped make numerous headpieces for the show.
“I am really happy it’s a free show because all the other ‘Nutcrackers’ are expensive, but we actually have quality dancing and the holiday tradition for free, which is really good for the community,” Kimball emphasized.
Jilianna Roberts has been with the Academy since its opening, and began teaching classes approximately two years ago. She’s the assistant director for the show and will also be dancing the role of the Dew Drop Fairy.
“Melanie’s idea has always been to give a gift to the community, so finally we are able to do that and we are both really excited about it,” Roberts said.
This year’s ballet will take place at the Henry Mello Performing Arts Center in Watsonville on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 14 at 3 p.m.
Tickets will be available at Agape Dance Academy in Scotts Valley and 2nd Street Café in Watsonville.
