One of the most popular elements to “Nashville’s Nutcracker” each year is the inclusion of the ballet’s youth cast, which this year consists of 134 students ranging in age from 8 to 19.
She says her favorite thing about dancing with Nashville Ballet is getting to do what she loves most in front of an audience with a professional community at a special time of year.
Although typically open to the community, auditions the last two years have been open to only students at the Nashville Ballet’s school due to health and safety protocols.
In a typical year there are three or four youth casts, so that as many children as possible get an opportunity to dance.
“We try to find a role for anyone who wants to be a part of it,” Askegard said.
In addition to providing an opportunity for ballet students to gain experience dancing in a professional production, “Nashville’s Nutcracker” is enhanced on multiple levels by infusing the energy, enthusiasm and pure joy that the youth cast brings to the show.
“It brings moments of lightness and joy to everyone who comes and sees it,” Askegard said.