On Dec. 15, 16 and 17, two Moorestown ballerinas along with a cast of close to 80 dancers will perform in the South Jersey Ballet Theatre’s 26th annual production of The Nutcracker.
At a rehearsal for their upcoming performance of “The Nutcracker,” Kasey Hogeboom and Elizabeth Safaryn are every bit the image of ballerinas. Hair tucked tightly back into slick buns and clad in matching black leotards each with faces delicately made up with a light layer of makeup, the two Moorestown High School students stretch at the bar exchanging smiles and eager chit chat with their fellow dancers. For both, the South Jersey Ballet Theatre has become something of a family.
On Dec. 15, 16 and 17, the two Moorestown girls, along with a cast of close to 80 dancers, will perform in the South Jersey Ballet Theatre’s 26th annual production of “The Nutcracker” at Voorhees Middle School. The South Jersey Ballet Theatre is a non-profit educational organization providing dancers ages 5 through 18 opportunities to perform in full-length ballet productions.
This year’s performance is of special significance to both Hogeboom and Safaryn. For Hogeboom, a junior at Moorestown High School, this will be her first time stepping into one of the lead roles, as she takes on the part of the Sugar Plum Fairy. For Safaryn, a senior at MHS, this production marks her 13th and final season before she graduates, with her dancing the role of Dew Drop Fairy.
“The Nutcracker” tells the story of Clara, a young girl dreaming of finding her Nutcracker prince. The ballet follows Clara’s journey as she is whisked away to the kingdom of the Sugarplum Fairy.
Beginning in September, the cast has rehearsed each Saturday for upward of four hours. Hogeboom and Safaryn agreed this year’s performance has pushed them harder than ever before.
Hogeboom said performing the role of Sugar Plum Fairy has come with added responsibility as one of the lead roles.
“It’s a very iconic role; everybody knows the Sugar Plum Fairy in ‘The Nutcracker,’” Hogeboom said. “I’m very excited about it.”
She said the part has put her stamina to the test. With more difficult steps and more time on stage, the role can be tiring at times. For that reason, Hogeboom said she started logging extra time in the studio to help build her endurance.
Safaryn said her role as Dew Drop Fairy has also had her practicing more than ever before.
“It’s a role I’ve always wanted to do ever since I was younger, and I’ve always seen my friends do it and the older girls do it and I’ve looked up to them, and now that I’m a senior, it’s my last year,” Safaryn said. “I finally get to do a part I’ve always wanted to do, so it’s kind of bittersweet.”
She said she’s been practicing at home and watching other productions of “The Nutcracker” to make her performance her best to date.
Both girls said they’ve grown as dancers each year by taking on a new and more challenging role in each year’s production.
“It’s just so great to see everybody evolve through the parts every single year and see their progress,” Hogeboom said.
South Jersey Ballet Theatre’s Artistic Director Andrea Duffin Conway said each year’s production is a new challenge for her dancers.
“It is exciting for them,” Duffin Conway said. “They grow up, and they do different parts over the years. They always do a higher level part. That’s exciting for them.”
Duffin Conway said there is a real sense of camaraderie among the dancers and the chemistry translates on stage.
Hogeboom said their company is a lot like a family.
“It has that small studio feel to it,” Hogeboom said. “That makes it special.”
“The Nutcracker” will open on Friday, Dec. 15 at 7:30 p.m. with additional performances on Dec. 16 at 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 17 at 2:30 p.m. All performances will be held at Voorhees Middle School on Holly Oak Drive in Voorhees.
Tickets are available at the theater box office or www.southjerseyballet.com.
