LOCALS LOVE US: Studio 29’s ‘The Nutcracker’ takes a bow

DANIEL CLIFTON • PICAYUNE EDITOR

BURNET — Producing the annual “The Nutcracker” ballet comes at a price considering the hours, even days, the performers sacrifice to get it right. But it’s worth it when the audience responds, not only following a performance in December, but several months later in The Picayune’s “Locals Love Us” honors.

“It’s kind of huge when you think this came from the readers,” said Studio 29 Dance Centre owner and instructor Jenn Moore. “A whole lot of work goes into that production.”

Studio 29 Dance Centre, 1002 N. Water St., celebrated its seventh year of producing “The Nutcracker” on Dec. 8-9, 2012. But work on the production begins months ahead of the two performances. Moore said students begin auditioning and rehearsing in September.

A key to success also is the students dedication, she told The Picayune last December. Even during the summer, before auditions, many of her students showed up at the studio to practice and take lessons — often with their eyes on landing bigger roles in “The Nutcracker.”

“Our kids, and their families, put so much into this,” Moore said after learning of the award. “They give up their evenings, their Saturdays, other events, even birthday parties, which for kids is a big deal, to rehearse for ‘The Nutcracker.’”

The studio offers numerous classes and programs throughout the year. But the production of this traditional Christmas ballet is one of its biggest events. Getting the community’s appreciation makes it even more special

“For the readers to come out, to enjoy it and to go so far as write our name on the ballot and mail it in, well, that means absolutely everything,” Moore said.

daniel@thepicayune.com