‘The Nutcracker Story’ returns to Windermere

For the third consecutive year, downtown Windermere will be filled with the sounds of Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker,” when the cast from White Swan Academy performs its own version of the two-act ballet at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at Town Square Park by the basketball courts.

“We are excited to perform an abridged version of the original ballet, which makes it more accessible to all audiences,” White Swan Academy founder and Artistic Director Ula Binkys said. “While the traditional ballet is beautiful in its own right, we try our best to condense it into something enjoyable for all audiences to enjoy the holiday spirit.”

This tradition started in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way humans interacted.

“When indoor gatherings were discouraged and life was very unpredictable around the pandemic, we decided to continue doing what we love and share some positivity with our community,” Binkys said. “An outdoor performance where people could spread out within safe distance seemed to be the only possible option at the time. That being said, we found that the environment of downtown Windermere only helped to bring hope and joy to everyone’s heart during the holiday season.”

This year, the cast consists of 30 White Swan students and three guest performers who have been practicing since August — every Saturday morning — to be ready to deliver the play for all those who wish to see it.

Allison Rench has been a student at the White Swan Academy for three years and has been a student of Binkys’ for eight. Rench has performed in “The Nutcracker Story” all three years. She has portrayed different characters in the story — Mother Ginger Cookie, Doll, Flower Corp, Snow Queen, Chinese Soloist, Russian Corp, Clara’s Friend and Clara.

This year, Rench will be performing as Clara, the Marzipan Duet, one of the performances of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Russian Soloist.

“I love dancing each of the roles I have performed in ‘The Nutcracker,’” she said. “Each role has its own personality. … I have added some additional skills in some of the roles, such as a toe-touch in my Russian soloist performance.”

For Emily O’Brien, who has been a student of Binkys’ since she was 4 years old, this year will be her second time performing the role of The Nutcracker. She also will be performing as Spanish Corp, Russian Corp and Mother Ginger in one of the numbers.

“When I try to portray different characters, it opens up things that I didn’t know I could do before,” she said. “Probably this year, my favorite parts (to perform) are probably the Spanish Corp and the Russian Corp, they are both upbeat and fun. I like the Spanish a little more, because I get to be more of a character, which is very fun for me. I’m very expressive.”

For Binkys, seeing her students perform fills her heart with pride and satisfaction.

“It takes a lot of work and commitment,” she said. “So, when I see the sparks of happiness in their eyes, the joy and excitement of performing onstage, and the overall feeling of great achievement reflected in them — that brings the greatest satisfaction to me. I am very proud of every single dancer and (of) each of their personal journeys all the way up to the stage.”

Every year, the cast tries to add something new to the play so it remains fresh and exciting to the audience. This could be a new costume, a few new headpieces, additional stage detail or even a new choreography or a new character story always based on the original storyline.

“The Nutcracker Story” performance is free for all those who wish to attend — adults and children alike. For Binkys, this play allows her to share the love she has for the art of dancing.

“My passion is ballet, so it inspires me to be able to share this form of art with the younger generation and our community,” she said. “As an educator, I see a lot of value for our students in preparing for this show. It takes discipline, commitment, courage, perseverance, teamwork and all the qualities of a dedicated ballerina. I believe that growing up in a dance family such as the one we’ve created at White Swan helps children develop into balanced and responsible humans, with a set of very useful skills for adulthood.”