Little Leapers holds Nutcracker production
Photo courtesy of Heather Leeper.
It’s been a fascinating year if you’ve been following the Little Leapers.
What started off as a single class held at the YMCA has now turned into one of the greatest new dance curriculums in the NRV. With Fairy Tale Ballet classes held in Blacksburg, Christiansburg and now Roanoke, they are surely making an impact on our community in more ways than one. As a mission to bring the love of dance to our little ones, they’ve partnered with the Ballet Project at Virginia Tech in their first annual production of the Nutcracker at the Lyric Theatre showing this weekend.
This production sponsored by Crockett Home Improvement has been made a fundraiser for the organization who first gave Little Leapers a venue to start their booming business, the YMCA; and student-run organization, The Ballet Project at Virginia Tech.
The Nutcracker at the Lyric is a children’s production, featuring a cast of 60 local dance students, most of which are under the age of 8. For many of these children, this will be their first ever role in the Nutcracker, and starting a wonderful new holiday tradition. The combination of adorably cute and talented children mixed with the professionalism of the Ballet Project at Virginia tech, this is surely a show not to be missed.
Other local talents such as comedian, Anthony Robinson (Comedy Club at 622 North) will be MC-ing the show, and Belly Dancer Thana Tarab as the Arabian soloist. Costumes have also been designed by Virginia Tech Fashion students, including award winning student designer, Kelsy Dominick whose modern designs can be found locally at Mad Dog. Sets were designed by local artist Suzan Kovach. Intermission vendors will include food from Log Cabin BBQ, cupcakes from Bloom Cupcakery, cookies from Next Door Bake Shop, flowers from D’Rose, and many holiday gift vendors.
Show times are this weekend, Dec. 15, at 6:30 pm, and Dec. 16, at 12:00pm. Tickets are available online at www.thelittleleapers.com, and at the door (cash/check only). Admission is $15 or $10 with a student ID/Children six years of age and younger.
– Submitted by Heather Leeper
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The show was a fantastic mix of young children and adults that came together in a short time to accomplish something great under the direction of Heather Leeper and her crew of kiddo wranglers! The sets were a whimsical phenomenonI and the costumes were outrageously cute and elegant! Thanks Heather for dreaming BIG for all our children! Mom it was a fantastic time working with you painting and watching you create those sets! I will forever remember this time that you & I & your granddaughter got to spend together and am eternally grateful for your guidance! <3
Comment by Anne Bishop — December 17, 2012 @ 9:22 pm