Williamsburg dance studio preparing for 4th production of ‘Nutcracker’ ballet

All families have their own little traditions during the holiday season.

For many families around the world, “The Nutcracker’s” sugar plum fairies have shaped Christmastime imaginations for decades.

Next weekend, after months of preparation, Williamsburg-based SI Dance is putting on its fourth production of the classic ballet at Crosswalk Church on Richmond Road. This production has shaped up to be bigger than ever.

“I started a lot smaller, but this year, I have a cast of about 60 dancers,” said “Nutcracker” director Noelle Schatzel, who is a ballet instructor and choreographer at SI Dance.

The cast also includes dancers from Ballet West in Salt Lake City and a performer from Busch Gardens as well as parent volunteers.

From September, when rehearsals start, to the shows in early December, the dancers are constantly in and around the studio, nailing down their roles on top of their regular dance lessons.

“All the kids who participate at our studio, they audition. And then they come in in their free time on Saturdays and Sundays, and we run rehearsals through the weekend,” Schatzel said. “Nothing’s done during class time. We still work technique, then.”

It’s a big time commitment, but for Sarah Neff, who plays the role of Clara in this year’s production, it’s all worth it in the end.

“I was a little nervous at first because it’s the main role,” Neff said. “But after doing rehearsals, I’ve gotten a lot more comfortable. Now the show’s coming up, I’m very excited... I’m more excited than I am nervous.”

Neff, 14, has participated in all four “Nutcracker” productions at SI Dance, working her way from smaller parts like a party boy, soldier and flower garland to bigger roles like Dewdrop.

“There’s not much left for Sarah,” Schatzel said with a laugh. “She’s done all the things. I’ll have to give her the same things again at some point.”

The studio does fundraising with small business partnerships, which has involved taking photos of performers in costume around Williamsburg to give different businesses advertising in the production’s program. Other events include a 5K and the sold-out Santa and the Sugar Plum Brunch at Billsburg Brewery on Sunday, where Santa and the Sugar Plum show up to greet patrons and take photos.

“Everything is self-funded, so we don’t get grants or anything like that,” Schatzel said. “Everything that gets put into the production is what we’ve been able to pull in on our own.”

Wandering around in her Clara costume is special for Neff, who is routinely approached by kids asking for pictures.

“It’s fun to watch little kids just light up,” SI Dance owner Shelly Isler said.

Every year, the production changes just a little, from the choreography to the number of cast members to the costumes.

“I want the dancers to have as close to a pre-professional experience as they can,” Schatzel said. “Most of our tutus are professional tutus. We try to add a little bit every year to update what we have up there. They have special earrings that match and crowns that match and try to pay attention to all the little details for them so they feel like they’re not just in a recreational program but a pre-professional program. This is what it would be like if you were in a real company.”

A huge number of hands go into the show, including the instructors, the dancers, parents and volunteers.

After months of preparation, the shows go by quickly, and then it’s into competition season, with more rehearsals and more performances on the horizon.

“You’re very proud of all that work you put into it and then finally getting the reaction from the audience,” Isler said. “There’s a lot of emotions in that last show.”

“Especially since Christmas is coming up right after,” Neff added. “You get really happy.”

“All the emotions happen,” Isler finished. “All that hard work finally pays off, and then it’s over until the next year.”

Want to go?

Performances are scheduled for Dec. 2 and 3 at 7 p.m. at Crosswalk Church on Richmond Road in Norge. Tickets are available for purchase online at 27757.danceticketing.com/r/events.

Sian Wilkerson, sian.wilkerson@pilotonline.com, 757-342-6616