PHOTO ESSAY BY DAVID WELTON
CAPTIONS BY LISA KOIS
December 16, 2014
In the same way that Whidbey Island “small town” blends committed localism with a cosmopolitan flare, Whidbey Island Dance Theater’s homegrown presentation of “The Nutcracker” combines strong community rootedness with sophistication. Filled with insects and forest creatures, tap dancing, acrobatics and ballet, WIDT’s “The Nutcracker” is a local take on the classic ballet story and includes professional dancing, stunning sets, ingenious props and elaborate costumes.
“The Nutcracker” continues through Sunday, Dec. 20 at South Whidbey High School Performing Arts Center. For more information and tickets, visit http://www.widtonline.org/.
To get readers in the Nutcracker spirit, WLM photographer David Welton captured the following images of dancers in rehearsal:
Sylvia Hurlburt waits for Madame Bumble and the bumble ring. / Photo by David Welton
Dancing in “The Nutcracker” is an annual tradition for many young dancers, including Claire Phelps, Taylor Pitts and Kiera Sherman. / Photo by David Welton
The Whidbey Island Dance Theater is the local pre-professional dance company that brings “The Nutcracker” to the stage each December. / Photo by David Welton
Artistic Director Charlene Brown has been nurturing young dancers on Whidbey during the 23 years “The Nutcracker” has been performed here. / Photo by David Welton
Graham Vanderwood leads the mischievous elves in their acrobatic shenanigans. / Photo by Daviid Welton
“The Nutcracker” combines complicated choreography, professional dancing and the cuteness factor of adorable young dancers. / Photo by David Welton
Rehearsals require extreme focus and long hours for even the youngest dancers. / Photo by David Welton
J.T. Madsen performs on stilts as Madame Bumble. / Photo by David Welton
Principal dancers Zane Vanderwood, Faith O’Brochta and Bojohn Diciple. / Photo by David Welton
Many of the elaborate props, sets and costumes are designed and made by community members and parent volunteers. / Photo by David Welton
There are more than a few tricks and surprises in store for audiences at “The Nutcracker.” / Photo by David Welton
David Welton is a retired physician and staff photographer for Whidbey Life magazine.
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