Every December, the Hess resonates with the sound of choirs and orchestras, and fills with the dynamism of dancers. This year was no exception.
On December 11, Deerfield dancers performed “Excerpts from the Nutcracker,” an acclaimed classical ballet composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, which has been a Deerfield tradition since the 80’s.
Productions of “The Nutcracker” every year are inseparable from students’ dedication according to Dance Instructor Carrie Towle, who is the artistic director for the performances. The trick of putting the show together, she said, “is honestly sheer force of student will. Every year, I’m in awe of the drive, commitment, enthusiasm, and dedication these dancers bring to make this happen.”
Ms. Towle has worked with students to stage “The Nutcracker” since she joined Deerfield in the spring of 2020 as a dance instructor, choreographer, and artistic designer. As she prepares for the show, she appreciate witnessing the different variations of the ballet formed by the student dancers, saying, “Every year, it responds to the needs of the dancers that I have.”
Alice Ai ’24 has participated in “The Nutcracker” for five years, having been invited to participate in “The Nutcracker” as a party guest while attending the Bement School. Describing her experience this year, playing both the Sugar Plum Fairy and Chocolate, Ai shared, “it is a dream come true.” When asked about a favorite dance in “The Nutcracker,” Ai emphasized “the Finale” due to the way in which “you can feel the energy,” as everyone performs together onstage.
Unlike independent dance arrangements, “The Nutcracker” occurs with a Christmas-decorated set. Costumes and props are a big part of the performance, and the art goes beyond the dancing. “I think there’s a certain magic to having a scene, a story, and props and that these aren’t isolated dances,” Ms. Towle said.
Dancers use their co-curricular time to hone their technical skills. In addition to preparing for “The Nutcracker,” they are responsible for preparing for the Fall and Winter Dance Showcases. All this preparation happens primarily on the weekends and evenings. Ms. Towle said that while ballerinas “strive to exude a sense of ease and grace,” she wishes that “people could understand the level of commitment and training required to do those extraordinarily technical things.” She hopes that the general audience can understand the process of preparation that often goes unnoticed.
Many students are excited about the performances. Abby Tang ’25, who danced the role of Mouse King last year, said, “I am really excited to reprise my role of the Mouse King. Performing the role again has allowed me to access deeper connections with the emotions of the confused character.” Donning the veiled headwear and taking to the stage to kill the Nutcracker, the Mouse King caps the first act of the ballet.
Along with “The Nutcracker,” the Holiday Music Concert is another artistic winter performance . Consisting of performances by the Deerfield Choir, Orchestra, Concert Band, and Acapella Groups, the Holiday Music Concert celebrates Christmas, Hanukkah, and more. Performed in the Concert Hall, the Winter Concert, held on Friday, December 8, consisted of a mashup of modern and classical pieces. Choral Director Michael Pfitzer said, “We are singing everything from Frozen to a candle lighting in celebration of Chanukah, to a classical rendition of ‘Carol of the Bells.’”
Sophie Petronzio ’25 said, “The Holiday Concert and following after party was a lovely experience of holiday joy. As a performer, watching the younger kid’s faces light up, especially during the Frozen medley, brought me glee and really reminded me of the importance of creating art.”