Centenary Stage Company's NUTCRACKER Returns To Lackland Center In Hackettstown

The holiday season at the Centenary Stage Company concludes with a flourish as CSC welcomes back the New Jersey Civic Youth Ballet and the annual performances of Nutcracker in the Lackland Performing Arts Center, December 16, 17 and 18 in Hackettstown.

The performances this season include a speciAl Gold Medal treat for audiences. Emma Crow of Hackettstown, NJ is no stranger to the stage. In fact, this local dancer has performed the leading role of Clara at the Lackland Center for two years with NJCYB holiday classic, "Nutcracker."

A dancer since she was two, Emma takes ballet classes seven days a week at North Jersey School of Dance Arts in Hackettstown. This year, as Emma prepared to enter the World Ballet Competition in Orlando, Fl., it became clear that her hard work and dedication would serve her well. First there were hours of coaching with former Kirov ballerina and faculty member, Luba Gulyaeva , that began last November 2015. Then an audition video was prepared and submitted. She was on her way, as the World Ballet adjudication panel accepted her application.

Emma and her family traveled to Florida, with tutus in tow and more rehearsals, and finally she performed in the new Orange County Convention Center's theater. The excitement escalated when Crow made it through Round #1 with high scores. Emma's dream came true when was announced as the Gold Medalist for the Introductory Category, a title that she will hold forever.

The talented eleven-year-old dancer represented the USA, and won the Gold Medal, an honor which included Emma performing her variation from "La Fille Mal Gardee," in the World Ballet's Gala performance, dancing in the same performance as New York City Ballet's Daniel Ulbricht, San Francisco Ballet's Taras Domitro, stars from the Washington Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet, and other internationally renowned dancers.

Audiences can see this World Ballet Gold Medalist on stage this year as she performs the role of the doll Columbine, in the New Jersey Civic Youth Ballet's "Nutcracker."

Performances of Nutcracker will be Friday, Dec 16 at 7 PM, Saturday Dec 17 at 2 PM and 7 PM, and Sunday, Dec 18 at 3 PM.

Tickets for Nutcracker range from $25 to $28, with discounts for children under 12.

For tickets call the Centenary Stage Company box office at 908-979-0900 or order online at www.centenarystageco.org, or stop into the LPAC Box office at 715 Grand Ave, Hackettstown. Box office hours are Monday through Friday, 1-5 PM and 2 hours prior to each performance.

Photo credit: Virginia Trudeau

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