The Dance Department presents its annual performances of “The Nutcracker” on Dec. 5 and 6 at St. Louis School’s Mamiya Theater. Fifty-three students from grades eight through 12 have been rehearsing since August.

“The Nutcracker” centers on two sisters, portrayed by sophomores Sydney Chock and Ellena Igari, and the Sugar Plum fairy, senior Megan Garcia. Other important roles are the Snow Queen, senior Angelique Racpan, the Dewdrop fairy, senior Jillian Anderson, and the Mouse Queen, sophomore Marlo Nettel.

Dance teacher Micki Kolberg said,  “I always appreciate the hard work that the students put into this performance, and I get to see the sweat and tears that go into it. My favorite part about this experience is that I have the opportunity to watch the students grow as dancers. They begin dancing by playing the roles of Mice and a few years later they are able to dance soloist roles. It is incredible to see the improvement in ballet technique and artistry and to see how hard some students work to get to the level of dance where they can do their ‘dream’ role.”