St. Augustine Ballet brings holiday classic to life

 *Editor's note: In a previous version of this story, it was reported that all dancers were from Abella's School of Dance and ticket sales ended Friday. Ticket sales continue Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. as well as one hour prior to each show and are for purchase at Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College. The St. Augustine Ballet holds open auditions to all students of dance for casting.

The St. Augustine Ballet is putting on the finishing touches to the annual holiday classic, "The Nutcracker."

This is the sixth year the non-profit art organization has produced "The Nutcracker" and each year the production staff strives to improve on the previous shows.

Director Luis Abella, scenic and lighting designer Robert O'Leary and costume mistress Virginie Woodward have worked around the clock to get the show just right for Saturday's premier.

Abella said some of the dancers have been with the show since day one and even includes St. Augustine dignitaries like the Boles, Upchurch and Bailey families.

Some dancers spend two hours a week learning the choreography.

"That's dedication and respect," Abella said.

"The Nutcracker" is the classic holiday event that features a handsome prince, dancing mice, fighting soldiers and the main characters Clara and The Nutcracker.

"The Nutcracker Ballet" is based on the story "The Nutcracker and the King of Mice" with score music that was originally performed over 120 years ago.

It's set during the holiday season when parents give toys to all the little ones. A mysterious man by the name Dr. Drosselmeyer arrives to entertain the children with magical tricks and dolls. These gifts include a special doll, The Nutcracker, which he brings especially for Clara.

The performance's leading lady is played by 12-year-old Harlow Hatin of the Cathedral Parish School.

The St. Augustine native has spent the last eight years of her life dancing but still finds herself nervous for the role of Clara.

However, Hatin said she knows the show very well and hopes to really embody Clara when she goes on stage.

"Once I got out there, the stress goes away," she said.

Hatin said she's seen the show before and tried to connect with Clara and she's practiced the role with friends in order to prepare.

"When I'm practicing, I'm not Harlow anymore. I'm here," Hatin said.

In addition to people in the community, every year the ballet invites professional guest artists to perform principal roles in "The Nutcracker."

This year's performers include Arionel Vargas of the English National Ballet as the Cavalier and his sister Margit Vargas Rodrigues of Cuballet Ecuador who portrays the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Also of the Cuballet Ecuador is Rodrigues' husband Daet Rodriguez who will portray the role of the prince.

The mysterious Mr. Drosselmeyer will be played by Orlando Molina of the School Principal of Georgia Ballet.

All of this year's performers are former classmates or current students of Abella's.

In a release from the St. Augustine Ballet, Abella said he is excited to reunite with former classmates.

As for his current students, Abella says he is proud of his students because they have put in so much effort and given so much respect for classical ballet.

"The idea is to teach the kids respect for the work they put out," Abella said.

All of the hard work will be on display at the St. Augustine Ballet's sixth annual production of "The Nutcracker" at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

The performance will be held at the Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College located at 14 Granada St. Tickets are $25 to $30. For information, email info@saintaugustineballet.com.