Nearly 100 participants from 23 different dance studios displayed their talents to Molly Koon Quist, the Artistic Director, and her two Assistant Directors, Sharon Nicklow Cousins and Katrina Quist. Participants were required to follow detailed instructions, perform standard classical ballet movements, and demonstrate their strength and agility, so that the Directors could decide which dancers were best suited for which parts. "It's nice to see so many new faces this year," Ms. Quist said. "Having such a large and varied talent pool makes our job a little easier, considering we have over 150 parts to cast."
Katherine Bumgardner, President of ORCBA, was no less enthusiastic. "We have dancers here ranging in age from 5 to 21; some have been dancing for 10 years or more, while for others this will be their first dance experience. Everyone will get a part, regardless of age or ability; we're here to serve the dance community, and to make it possible for these dancers to perform for a live audience in a professional production."
Even with such a large draw, there are some parts that have not been filled. "We're in desperate need of young men with dance experience," Mrs. Bumgardner stated, "who have had at least some exposure to partnering and lifts. We had two great young men [Mitch Gill and Kile Hotchkiss] move on to bigger and better things this year, and we're feeling the pinch."
Dancers who are still interested in finding out how to participate in The Nutcracker should e-mail help@orcba.org.