On December 13 the Wakefield Theater Company hosted the Jill M. Taylor Dance Company’s rendition of The Nutcracker.

“The Jill M. Taylor Dance Company has enjoyed performing at Wakefield High School for the past 10 years and we even had the great fortune to dance to the live music of the Wakefield High Band one year which was an amazing experience. We love performing at Wakefield High because it is such a big part of the community, “said Jill Taylor, founder of the company.

They take the traditional Nutcracker to a new modern level.

“Yes, we have a new 22 foot, 3D growing Christmas tree and all new snow costumes.  Also, one fun fact regarding the production – there are several items that are present in the Party Scene that foreshadow what’s to come – for example – 2 party girls receive snow flake wands during the party scene and later in the ballet Clara dreams of snowflakes dancing.  It is fun to watch the party scene and pick out all the items that reappear to Clara later in the ballet,” said Taylor.

The company performs The Nutcracker annually with a mixed cast of students and professionals.

“We have both student dancers and professional dancers in the production. This year principal dancers from New York City will be dancing the lead roles in the production.  George Sanders from Ballet Hispanico will be dancing the part of the Cavalier and Nayara Macedo Lopes from Dance Theater of Harlem will be dancing the part of the Sugar Plum Fairy.  Our dancers love the experience of dancing alongside these professional dancers and learning from them,” said Taylor.

Working alongside these professionals helps the aspiring dancers refine their skills.

“It’s really cool because they give you tips on how to be better and they’re really sweet, it’s really cool watching them,” said Isabella Velazquez, student performer.

Besides getting the opportunity to work with experienced dancers, the students take key values from performing and genuinely enjoy what they do.