Young dancers steal the spotlight in The Nutcracker performance

In Boston, the holiday classic The Nutcracker features an iconic bear character that captivates audiences with its short but memorable stage time during the first act. The bear is portrayed by dancer Wesley Miller, who is thrilled to don the costume for the first time in his second year with the Boston Ballet. This role has been performed by various dancers, but since 2019, Tyson Ali Carter has successfully taken on the bear's personality, creating a special interaction with onstage performers and the audience. The bear's costume is made primarily from tulle, a fabric similar to that used in ballerinas' tutus, which is specifically designed to create an impressive visual effect. The costume designer, Howard Merlin, explains that the wide and fluffy appearance results from hundreds of rows of tulle sewn onto power mesh, giving it a fur-like look. While the costume presents a lightweight experience, it can be claustrophobic due to its complete mask design similar to a mascot costume. Nonetheless, the dancers adapt to their surroundings and convey bear-like movements, enhancing the character's presence on stage. The bear's role has become a crowd favorite, receiving significant applause during performances at the Citizen's Opera House, which runs until December 29. Separately, the New York City Ballet is also showcasing The Nutcracker this holiday season, drawing in large crowds at Lincoln Center. Young dancers eagerly seize leads in the production, including the role of The Prince, currently shared by Hannon Hachett and Finlay McCurdy-Van Alstine. These young dancers exhibit enthusiasm and joy while performing in front of audiences, demonstrating a great fondness for their art form at such a young age. Additionally, they express excitement at the thought of performing for large crowds, stating that the experience feels rewarding and fulfilling. Dena Abergel, a faculty member at the School of the American Ballet, comments on the annual opportunity for new young dancers to grace the stage. Each performance allows the children to bring their individual personalities to the classic ballet tradition, giving them a chance to shine. Abergel highlights the commitment of young dancers to embrace new challenges as they grow within the art form, shaping their experiences both on and off stage. For the young dancers, this joyous period serves as a cherished memory that they will look back on fondly while they develop their craft in the world of ballet.