“As an inspired young dancer, Amber Writt of Dane fondly remembers attending The Nutcracker with her mother. Now a mother herself to Celia and Ruby (ages 11 and 13), Amber takes her own daughters and their grandmother on an annual girls’ date to Madison Ballet’s production at Overture, a seven-year ritual for their family.
“It wouldn’t feel like the holidays without it. It has become part of our Christmas celebration. The costumes are great, the choreography and dances themselves are fantastic, and the orchestra is phenomenal,” says Amber, who last year appreciated a window into the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra pit from first level box seats.
Most of Overture’s productions feature live music, drawing from the rich pool of local professionals as well as touring performers. And, with numerous key roles for children in many holiday shows, young artists benefit from interactions with live orchestra, seasoned professional dancers, actors and theater technicians.
“They (the kids) have to work hard, but they see how hard the pros work, and how everything behind the scenes operates,” says Stacy Regehr, a pianist from Madison Ballet.”
Read the full article by Marie Pauls here.