.jpg)
.jpg)
Studio West Dance Theatre invites families to begin the holiday season with the return of its beloved production of “The Nutcracker,” performed Thanksgiving weekend at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts.
“Whether it is a family’s first visit to The Nutcracker or a tradition that has been enjoyed year after year, Studio West Dance Theatre invites the South Sound community to gather Thanksgiving weekend 2026 and experience the beauty, excitement, and unmistakable magic of live performance,” Studio West said in a news release.
Featuring over 200 local dancers, Studio West’s “The Nutcracker” carries audiences from the warmth and excitement of Clara’s holiday celebration, through a shimmering snow-covered forest, and into the magical Land of Sweets.
“With beautiful costumes, professional sets, and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, this show has captivated audiences for over a decade with its classical beauty and playful charm,” Studio West said in a news release, noting that its production “has become a cherished South Sound holiday tradition.”
But long before the curtain rises, Studio West said, the magic has already begun.
For Studio West Co-Director Stephanie Wood-Ennett, one of the most exciting parts of The Nutcracker is watching the production come to life from its very first moments.
“There is this wonderful sense of possibility that begins at auditions,” says Wood-Ennett. “You watch the dancers walk into the room, ready to give their best. Over the course of two months, these students step into their roles. Through dedication in classes and the work they put into rehearsals, they are ready to step onto the stage with a confidence that wasn’t fully there on audition day. By opening night, the role has become their own. Watching that transformation unfold is one of the most rewarding parts of our Nutcracker.”
Co-Director Mary Cecelia (MC) Piper witnesses a transformation across the years-long journey of a dancer. As director of Studio West’s Children’s Division, Piper often meets dancers in their earliest years of training and then watches as they grow into the accomplished young artists taking on leading roles.
“One of the greatest gifts of teaching is getting to watch these dancers grow up,” said Piper. “I meet these dancers when they are very young — taking their first classes and looking up to the older dancers in the studio and onstage. Then, almost before I know it, they are the older dancers. They have grown into beautiful artists, and most importantly, into talented, responsible, and remarkable young people. Getting to watch their journey is an incredible gift.”
Long-time dancer Clare Lanese credits the art for her own personal metamorphosis.
"Dance transformed me as a person," she said.
Lanese has been dancing since she was young off and on, but after COVID, she became much more serious and committed to her dance training.
Lanese has had meaningful full circle moments in her time at Studio West, the studio said in a news release. In her first production of “The Nutcracker,” she performed as a little lamb, which is part of the Mirliton dance scene; and later returned to perform the lead solo in the scene.
"It felt so me and was my first lead ever,” Lanese said.
As a child, Lanese was drawn to ballet for its combination of dressing up and athleticism. Over the years, Studio West teachers imparted a love of dance.
"(My teachers) have this tangible love of dance and it spreads,” Lanese said.
Now a senior in high school, and dancing as the Snow Queen, she will perform a role that demands power and grace — both traits she admired as a child.
Dancers of many ages work together in months of classes, rehearsals, costume fittings, culminating in six performances over Thanksgiving weekend.
The shows give all performers the opportunity to experience the rigor and joy of a full professional scale production.
For adult performer Rachel Grimmer, Studio West’s “The Nutcracker” is a family tradition.
Since joining the production in 2015, Grimmer has shared the stage with her daughters over the years while repeatedly returning to her role as one of the villainous rats.
One of her favorite memories is facing off against her daughter, who played one of the Mini Drosselmeyer characters, in a choreographed candy-cane tug-of-war during the fight scene.
“It is endearing to be part of this production and endearing to be part of this with your kid,” Grimmer said.
Families with young children in the audience can make their own special memories by attending “Clara’s Nutcracker Party,” a special pre-show event held one hour before each matinee performance.
Young guests can meet members of the cast, enjoy crafts and treats, and take keepsake photos before heading into the theater for the performance.
Tickets for Clara’s Party are $24 per child, with free admission for accompanying adults. Performance tickets are sold separately.
Tickets are $25 to $48, depending on the seat selected in the theater.
Performances are 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27 and Saturday, Nov. 28, and 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29.
Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.washingtoncenter.org/organizer/studio-west-dance-theatre/, or by calling the Washington Center box office at 360-753-8586.
