Repertoire students show their mettle

Chris Clegg
South Peace News

High Prairie Repertoire dancers have scored a perfect three-for-three in auditions held for The Nutcracker Ballet. Jake Poloz, Brogan Severson and Jessica Smith were all chosen for parts in the production, slated for Grande Prairie Dec. 7-8 and Dec. 14-15. All are looking forward to performing with two of Canada’s elite ballet dancers. “It’s going to be cool,” says Poloz, who plays a soldier. “All of my teachers said they’d come.” Poloz is looking forward to the play saying he is not afraid to perform in front of crowds. Severson, who plays the part of a jester, says all her family will also be attending. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” she says, adding that the extra teaching will help her dancing abilities. Smith, who plays a jester and a Hungarian boy, is simply looking forward to the performance because she likes to dance. She says she’s little nervous about the play. All three travel to Grande Prairie to practice each Saturday until the event. Guest performers at the ballet are Natalie Pitton, a former dancer for Canada’s National Ballet School, and Colby McGovern, a dancer for the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School. Lynn Smith says she heard about the auditions a couple months ago. Work quickly spread to see if any Repertoire members were interested. Three decided to take the plunge and all were successful. “We put them in just for the experience,” says Lynn Smith. However, the club was pleasantly surprised at their success. “It speaks well of our club,” she adds. “We’re a competitive club.” The Nutcracker Ballet will be held at the Douglas J. Cardinal Theatre at Grande Prairie Regional College. Shows on Dec. 7 and Dec. 14 occur at 7 p.m. while shows on Dec. 8 and Dec. 15 are at 2 pm. and 7 p.m. Jake is the son of Bernie and Laura Poloz, Brogan the daughter of Joanne Miller and Lloyd Severson, and Jessica the daughter of Jesse and Lynn Smith. For tickets, call 1-780-513-2623.

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