By KATLYN PROCTOR
Eagle Times Associate Editor
SPRINGFIELD, VT — The Dance Factory brought the holiday magic despite the weather this past weekend, Dec. 9-10, with their 32nd annual production of “The Nutcracker.” A full house packed the Springfield High School auditorium for both performances.
Directed and choreographed by Ashley Hensel-Browning (with Susan Hagan assisting on choreography), Act I set the stage of the Staulbauhm family as they hosted a gathering where Herr Drosselmeyer arrives, delighting the children with his mystical wind-up toys.
Abbie Haber as Clara and Elizabeth Thayer as younger brother Fritz enthralled the audience with their symbiotic movements. The two danced in sync to many audience cheers.
After the party ended, the rest of Act I built the tension as the Mouse King led the mice to fight with the Nutcracker, followed by everyone’s favorite: the snowflakes.
Fans were eager to share their sentiments about their favorite part of the performance.
“The family part,” said Nora Olesky, a six-year-old from Chester, VT. Olesky and her pal, Iris Heidtmann, are both taking dance lessons at The Dance Factory.
“I liked the dancing,” said Heidtmann, age 5 from Londonderry, VT.
Concessions were available for donation with the proceeds benefiting the Springfield Cosmos cheerleading team, which is jumpstarting its program again following COVID-19, said Head Coach Katelyn Duford.
“This is a new team, so we need to go to clinics. The girls want things like warm up suits, and yes eventually competition,” said Duford when asked what the proceeds would go toward.
Act II awed the audience — as well as Clara and her prince, once welcomed by the Sugar Plum Fairy, of course. Fan favorites included Mother Goose, played by Sean Whalen, and the candy canes, Kailyn Guyotte, Sage Hill and Addisyn Wilkins.
The Dance Factory first choreographed “The Nutcracker” 32 years ago by Hagan. Since then, more than $25,000 has been raised for arts initiatives. The owners present a vibrant and inclusive dance studio that encourages a love and passion for movement.
For more information, visit dancefactoryvt.com.
As your daily newspaper, we are committed to providing you with important local news coverage for Sullivan County and the surrounding areas.