Opening its doors early Nov. 30, the Englert Theater welcomed in Nolte Academy’s annual Nutcracker ballet. The dancers have been working tirelessly, beginning rehearsals in early September and placing many hours of dedication into the eight magical performances.
Nolte Academy can be found along the Coralville strip, with dancers of all ages taking classes, perfecting routines and rehearsing the story of Clara and her nutcracker. Spanning all of Nolte’s competition teams and pre-professional programs, six West High dancers share their experiences within the Nutcracker season.
During tech week and performance days, the dancers spend many hours at the Englert dancing and fine-tuning their performance with costumes, lighting and props. Maddie Phillips ’29, a member of Nolte’s Affect competition team and training, describes tech week as “very chaotic, [with] lots of scheduling and keeping track of time, but it’s also really exciting because we are at the Englert.” The energy is evident coming into show week — all the rehearsing is finally coming together, leaving the dancers with a sense of accomplishment about the work they have put in.
“We are all running on less than an hour of sleep right now, but I’ve never felt better. Once you get into the Englert, there is no such thing as being tired. You’re just really on a high energy for the entire show,” Alia Miller ’29 said.
A large part of the Nutcracker performance is the community, both in the cast and the people of Iowa City. Within the cast, dancers and teachers alike develop traditions and memories they will hold onto forever. Sophomore Lucy Harris, a member of Nolte’s pre-professional program and competition teams, has found a close-knit community within the cast.
“The community within you and your friends get really close over Nutcracker. I find myself leaning on my friends, and everyone is always super supportive. Even if you didn’t do the best, they’re always like, ‘no, you’re actually really good,’” Harris said.
For the dancers, the ballet isn’t just about performing; it’s also about the traditions that come along with it. From walking trips to Starbucks during rehearsal breaks, dedicating a performance to someone special, having a secret snow gift exchange or sharing an ab routine with a friend before each show, each dancer has a tradition that adds extra magic to the season. Another tradition special to many dancers around the world, including those at Nolte, is a “merde circle.” “Merde is basically like good luck. It’s kind of manifesting that it will be a good show,” Katelyn Wehrle ’29 said.
The camaraderie in the cast is evident and bridges another connection to the Iowa City community and its performers. “I feel at Nolte, there’s just a really supportive environment, especially around Nutcracker season, and it’s a special tradition, being able to perform and share our magic with non-dancers,” Wehrle said.
“The community of Iowa City really supports the production of Nutcracker,” Abby Lee ’27 said. “We get so many donations from people that want to help towards making this production, or [the community who] comes to see the work we’ve put on. [Also with] the Iowa City Youth Choir, they come and sing for the Nutcracker, and then we have a live orchestra playing. I think without any of the support and full community, we wouldn’t be able to bring that magical vibe the Nutcracker always gives every year.”
An overlooked but important aspect of the Nutcracker is the orchestra. For freshman Youan Lee, this is her third year participating in the Nutcracker’s orchestra. Youan Lee plays the celesta, most known for the twinkly-sounding notes in Tchaikovsky’s “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.” After a recommendation by her piano teacher, the Nutcracker’s orchestra’s conductor, Carey Bostian, asked Youan Lee to join. The rehearsal process for musicians is very different from the dancers’. They had a limited amount of rehearsals at City High, and then only rehearsed at the Englert once before performing with the dancers.
“I think it’s just a fun experience. And I think it’s really interesting that I get to play with actual adults that are professionals at their instruments. It’s also really fun to watch the dancers up close. And I love how the dancers are different every single year, and it’s just really fun to watch,” Youan Lee said.
The Nutcracker tells the story of young Clara and the magical adventures she has with her nutcracker through snowy Germany and the Land of Sweets. Along the way, she meets a cast of whimsical characters, including a fairy, talking dolls and an evil mouse king. “I like when you step on stage. There’s a feeling of exhilaration, just knowing that you’re able to perform and do what you love in front of the people you love is one of my favorite things,” Wehrle said, who played the roles of a snowflake, flower, mirliton and English lead.
To Abby Lee, the Nutcracker holds a special place. “I love the Nutcracker most because I think it’s something like fulfilling my childhood dream. I’ve been like a performer ever since I was a kid. I love going on stage. I love getting to express myself… I feel like when I’m on stage, no one’s judging me, and I can do whatever the heck I want on stage,” Abby Lee said.
While it may be someone’s first year in the Nutcracker, it is also some dancers’ final time taking the Englert’s stage. “It’s really bittersweet, but I am feeling a lot of gratitude for all the experiences I’ve had in the past, and just a lot of excitement going into my last Nutcracker,” Grace Walker ’26 said.
All in all, the Nutcracker is a holiday tradition cherished by many throughout the community. It is evident how much hard work and dedication are placed within the production, both on and off the stage, with the crew, costumes, dancers, orchestra, choir and many more.
“It’s just so rewarding putting in all the hard work and then watching it come together on stage. And the community that watches it, it’s just so rewarding seeing their faces when you’re on stage. Everything about it is super exciting,” Miller said.
