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Studio K Presents ‘The Nutcracker: Clara vs. The Mouse King’ at Watauga High School Dec. 15 through 16.

By Madison V. Fisler

Dec. 10, 2012. Continuing a High Country holiday tradition that has endured for 15 years, Studio K Dance Workshop will present “The Nutcracker: Clara vs. the Mouse King” on Dec. 15 through 16. The ballet will be exhibited in the Ross Auditorium at Watauga High School this year, due to the ongoing construction at Farthing Auditorium at Appalachian State campus. 

“We want to make sure that everyone knows that we have moved our show this year,” said Cay Harkins of Studio K. 

For a decade and a half , The Nutcracker Ballet presented by Studio K has been a Christmas tradition for many locals and tourists alike. The move from Farthing Auditorium to Ross Auditorium means less seats available, however, it is still very much expected to reach full capacity. 

This year’s show will feature dancers ranging from the three-year-old gumdrops to the adults in the party scene. Over 400 costumes were created for wear in the performance, and it will also feature indoor pyrotechnics and cannons. 

“It is going to be very exciting for everyone,” said Harkins. 

Each member of the cast is within the Studio K family. 

The cast list for the major characters is as follows:

  • Clara – Hellyn Stamey 
  • The Nutcracker Prince – Matt Backe
  • The Mouse King – Jacob Ray
  • The Sugar Plum Fairy – Ashley Harkins

“This has become a holiday tradition for a lot of people,” said Harkins. “We have a lot of people say that their children do not remember Christmas without the nutcracker.”

Many dancers have been a part of the nutcracker for years, and for some it is a family affair.

“We have dancers in families that span three generations. Children, parents, and grandparents are dancing in the Nutcracker this year in some cases,” said 

Studio K is in it’s 33rd year of operation. They offer  classes in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, lyrical, hip hop, pilates and several excersice programs to students of all ages.

The show will run on Dec. 15 at 3:00 p.m. and again at 7:00 p.m. and on Dec. 16 at 3:00 p.m. The price for admission is $10 for adults and $8 for children under twelve. Babies and toddlers young enough to sit on their parent’s lap will not be charged admission.