Tagline: Ballet or Dance
Although Kate Barker is in her third year with Butler Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker,” this year is quite different.
Barker, a Noblesville West Middle School eighth-grader, is playing a leading role of Clara.
“Getting to work with college professors and getting to meet with new dancers is really fun,” Barker said. “At the same time, it’s hard dancing on point, but I’ve had a lot of fun before. I really think my technique has improved and my stamina, in general. So, I think I improved on both my strength and stamina.”
The performances are set for 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30, 8 p.m. Dec. 1; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Dec. 2; and noon and 5 p.m. Dec. 3 at Butler’s Clowes Hall.
“Kate is always very serious, modest and intelligent in her work,” said Marek Cholewa, Butler University professor of dance. “It is easy to see that she adores the classical tradition and that she will be a true proponent of it.”
Barker, 13, trains at Noblesville-based Ballerinas Academy of Dance and in Cholewa’s Summer Intensive program. Last year’s Clara, Chloe Andry, also came through both programs.
This is Barker’s third appearance in Butler’s production. Her twin sister, Lily, is making her debut this year in the party scene.
Mya Adams, a Mt. Vernon Middle School sixth-grader who lives in Fortville, is in her third Butler Ballet production. She is playing one of Mother Ginger’s children for the second year in a row.
“This year is fun because a few more girls from my studio are doing it,” Adams said. “What’s cool is each year we have around the same choreography, so I can compare last year to this year.”
The twins and Adams are joined in the production by fellow Ballerinas Academy of Dance Lila Congrove, Noblesville, 13, and Hannah Cutler, Noblesville, 10.
Other area children performers are Jonathon Figueroa, Carmel, 10, Expressenz Dance Center; Sophie Meunier, Noblesville, 11, Wishes Dance Studio; and Cate Schrepferman, Zionsville, 11, Village Dance Studio.
This year’s Butler Ballet dancers are Kristianna Henthorn, sophomore, Carmel, and Chelsea Kuhn, senior, Noblesville.
Tickets are available at the box office and through ButlerArtsCenter.org.
