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Writer's pictureOlivia Beasley-Staff Writer

Seniors Leila Zwetsloot and Vivian Rushing in “The Nutcracker”



Leila Zwetsloot and Vivian Rushing posing with their friends after their performance in The Nutcracker performance last year. Photo credit: Leila Zwetsloot


On December 8, 9, and 10, Studio K, a youth ballet company in Boone, will hold its annual production of The Nutcracker. Two of Watauga’s seniors, Leila Zwetsloot and Vivian Rushing, will be performing lead roles in the ballet.


Leila Zwetsloot has been dancing for 14 years and has spent 13 of those at Studio K. This year, Zwetsloot will be dancing as the Sugar Plum Fairy. This will be her last year dancing for Studio K, but she hopes to continue her dancing career by finding another studio in college.


“It has been my dream part since I was a kid and I am so excited to perform it!” said Zwetsloot.


While auditioning and being selected for a lead role is a great accomplishment, having a lead role comes with a lot of responsibility and pushes a dancer's physical capacity.


“The ending turn sequence is definitely the most difficult part of the dance. Building the stamina has also been a challenge that came with the role,” said Zwetsloot.


Vivian Rushing has been dancing for 16 years. She will be dancing the role of a Russian lead.


“I am so happy about the role that I received! I am a Russian lead which means I get to do a bunch of jumping and tricks. It is the role that I have always wanted!” Rushing said.


In order to make the ballet as successful as it can be, the dancers have been putting in a lot of time and effort. They found out their roles in October and have been practicing twice a week since then. While the amount of time put in can be taxing, it helps to build relationships between the dancers.


“My favorite part of the Nutcracker is the amount of time that I get to spend with others at the Studio. Rehearsals can be anywhere from one hour to six hours a day, so you really get to know the other dancers around you,” said Rushing.


The production will be held at the Schaefer Center. Tickets can be purchased via Studio K’s Instagram bio, the Schaefer Center’s website, or at the door the day of the performance. On December 8, the ballet starts at 7:00pm. On December 9, the first show starts at 1:00 p.m. and a second begins at 7:00 p.m. On December 10th, the ballet starts at 3:00 p.m.



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