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Arts & Entertainment

Renaissance Academy Proudly Presents: The Nutcracker

Open to the public, this family-favorite, timeless ballet was one of the most beautiful Renaissance Academy productions to date.

PHOENIXVILLE, PA - Once again, families, friends and visitors alike were treated to a delightful, dazzling production of The Nutcracker. Open to the public, this family-favorite, timeless ballet was held on Friday, December 7th at 7:00 pm; and Saturday, December 8th at 1:00 pm on the main stage at the Renaissance Academy Charter School (RA), 413 Fairview Street, Phoenixville, PA. Both shows were completely sold out.

With a fresh, new cast, lovely stage scenery from Backdrops Beautiful, and a beautiful, handmade Clara costume designed by Pam Frasch, this was one of Renaissance Academy's best performances to date. Diana Kelly, RA teacher, said that she was “blown away” by the show. “They did an amazing job of blending together all of the various levels of skill and playing to each students’ strengths. The costumes were stunning and it was a truly beautiful evening.”

The cast was comprised of over 175 dancers, including 160 students, 6 RA staff members, and 9 dancing RA parents. Featured dancers included: Ashlynn Solomon as Dream Clara; Ben Rabizadeh as the Nutcracker Prince; Alexa Hartman as the Sugar Plum Fairy; Sabine Jante as the Snow Queen; Katrina Gambone as Flower Lead; Ryann Gephart as Young Clara; and Patrick Krock as Fritz.

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This holiday classic was under the direction of Narissa (Fell) Wescott, RA Dance Director who trained at University of the Arts and graduated DeSales University with a BA in dance. After graduation, Mrs. Wescott traveled to Rio de Janerio, Brazil, where she had the opportunity to perform, choreograph, and teach students in the schools. She has been the Dance Director/Teacher at RA since March of 2016.

Mrs. Wescott said that one of the highlights of the performance was seeing the “new” piece she choreographed this year come to life. “I wanted to give the show a new spark and hip feeling with the lights on the costumes and techno version of the “Sugar Plum” song."

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Assisting the Director were RA parent, Shannon Rickert, and RA Primary Academy teacher, Hallie Williams, without whom, Mrs. Wescott said the production would not have been possible. “In addition to my two, priceless Assistant Directors, we had over 20 parent volunteers. Their countless hours of contribution truly helped this large-scale event run smoothly with beautiful technical execution by the young dancers.”

Photographs Courtesy of Don Valentine Photography

Establish in 1999, Renaissance Academy is a fully accredited, K-12, award-winning, tuition-free, college prep charter school located in Phoenixville, PA. For more information visit www.rak12.org.

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