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4 Dancers Share Leading Role In Holiday Classic Ballet

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By SARAH ROTHWELL The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 11, 2007

NEW TAMPA - In the classic holiday ballet "The Nutcracker," Clara's friends are overcome with jealousy when she receives a toy nutcracker as a Christmas present. Unlike the characters in the story, the four girls playing Clara in Dance Theatre of Tampa's "Nutcracker" production aren't the jealous type.
When director Dyane Elkins-IronWing cast Diamante Velez, Adriana Sinudom, Nicole Simpson and Jenny Dzuranin in the lead role, the girls didn't react by fighting for attention. They were all smiles, ready and willing to work together.
"We're all friends and we help each other out," said Simpson, 13. "It's challenging, but it's fun."
The Dance Theatre of Tampa, a company based at the New Tampa Dance Theatre, first produced "The Nutcracker" eight years ago. This year, a different lead will take the stage for each performance, backed by a 91-member cast of dancers ages 8 to 47.
The production opens Friday at the University of South Florida Theatre 1. Dzuranin will play Clara at 7 p.m. opening night; Velez at 2 p.m. and Simpson at 7 p.m. Dec. 22; and Sinudom at the final show, 2 p.m. Dec. 23.
"The girls are really strong dancers," Elkins-IronWing said. "Each will bring something unique to the ballet."
All four dancers attend classes at New Tampa Dance Theater. They train in various styles, including modern, tap and jazz. Still, each calls ballet her favorite.
"It is so graceful," Dzuranin, 11, said. "I love the music."
Simpson agreed.
"If I had to pick one style of dance, it'd be ballet," she said. "I can't imagine life without it."
Simpson started taking dance at age 7. This is her third year playing Clara. Still, she isn't bored with the part.
"I like the role," she said. "You get to be a role model for the younger dancers and you get to carry around a nutcracker the whole time."
Velez, 12, dreams of being a professional ballerina. "The Nutcracker," she said, is a steppingstone in that direction. Last year, she was an understudy. Now, she is guaranteed to dance the part.
"I love the story," she said. "The choreography is beautiful. We do piqué turns and tour jetés."
In addition to their individual performances as Clara, the girls will trade off playing three other roles – Party Girl, Arabian and Snow Flurry – on their off nights. They take turns practicing each part.
"It's hard to remember all the steps, but I keep a notebook," Velez said.
Each girl keeps a notebook filled with diagrams and helpful reminders. Every night after school, the girls review their notes and practice at home. They go to sleep thinking of the steps.
"My favorite scene is the battle scene," Sinudom, 11, said. "It's exciting."
IronWing said the dancers are extremely dedicated.
"They've all been incredible," she said. "They've put a lot of time into the character. They're always working to improve themselves."
To stay in shape, the dancers stretch before every practice and stay active on their days off. When they get tired, they push themselves and one another to continue. Still, health comes first.
"You have to drink water and get plenty of sleep," Velez said.
According to IronWing, "The Nutcracker" is great practice for girls who want to pursue a professional dance career.
"This teaches them responsibility, how to act professionally, how to work with other dancers and how to work at a quick pace," IronWing said.
After five months of rehearsals, IronWing can't wait to see the girls take the stage.
"It's like having four opening nights," she said. "Opening night is when the magic happens."
The four Claras wish one another the best of luck.
"We're all nervous, but we're ready," Velez said.

IF YOU GO:
WHAT: Dance Theatre of Tampa presents "The Nutcracker."
WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 22 and 2 p.m. Dec. 23
WHERE: University of South Florida Theatre 1, 4202 E. Fowler Ave.
HOW MUCH: Advance tickets are $20 for ages 13 to 59; $15 for ages 3 to 12, ages 60 and older, and students with ID; and free for ages 2 and younger. Tickets can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or at the New Tampa Dance Theatre, 10701 Cross Creek Blvd. Tickets can be purchased at the door for an additional $2.
INFORMATION: Call (813) 994-6838.

Sarah Rothwell can be reached at (813) 865-4845 or srothwell@tampatrib.com.

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