It’s Kids Only in Fleur de Lis Full-Length ‘Nutcracker’ Cast–Except for Surprise Guests

Wilton’s Fleur de Lis Dance Company will perform George Balanchine’s Nutcracker Ballet at two shows on Saturday, Dec. 13.

“The Nutcracker is such a wonderful traditional ballet, and what makes our performance so unique is that the full length ballet is performed entirely by children in the company. We don’t bring in older, professional dancers to dance the lead roles. We choreograph and cast every role from dancers within our own company and from dancers who attend classes at Fleur de Lis Dance Academy and have auditioned for Nutcracker roles,” explains Michelle Sperry, executive director of the Fleur de Lis Dance Company and owner of the Fleur de Lis Dance Academy. “The Nutcracker is an enchanting holiday treat for everyone – from toddlers to grandparents – and a great event for the whole family.”

The company will present two performances on Dec. 13, at 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. at the West Rocks Middle School, in Norwalk.

This year, however, Sperry is mixing things up with a surprise for the audience.

“Our performances will include special guest dancers playing the role of Mother Ginger,” she says. Wearing hundreds of feet of floral fabric, lace, ribbon and ruffles, State Senator Bob Duff will star in the 11:30 a.m. show and West Rock’s Assistant Principle,  Joseph DeVellis, will star in the 3:30 p.m. show.

Dancers in the Fleur de Lis Dance Company come from many towns in Fairfield County, including Wilton, Weston, Westport, Norwalk and Danbury.

“The ballet involves over 60 dancers who have been practicing for this moment all fall,” adds Sperry. She also notes that the company has invested in professional costumes and props, including a canon for the battle scene, a Christmas Tree that grows magically, an illuminated 10-foot clock and a 12-foot Mother Ginger.

Sperry is thrilled that the Fleur de Lis Company is able to present the Nutcracker in the West Rocks Middle School Theater. “The theater is fabulous. It can not only hold an audience of over 500 people, but the stage and backstage area can accommodate our enormous sets, the hundreds of costumes, and our cast of over 60 dancers.”

Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for students. A portion of the ticket sales benefits the West Rocks Drama Club. The event is produced by the Fleur de Lis Dance Company and sponsored by Encore Youth Company, the non-profit community outreach company that provides scholarships to dancers in Fairfield County. For more information about the Dec. 13 performance of The Nutcracker, and to purchase tickets, call 203.210.7155 or go to EnrollBallet.com.