Dancers' distinctive talents enrich 'Nutcracker'

Web posted December 18, 1998

 On stage

By Kent Kimes
Staff Writer

Kristina Clemons and Adrienne Poarch are 17-year-olds who help manage their respective schools' basketball teams.

Kristina Clemons and Adrienne Poarch share the lead role of the Sugar Plum Fairy in the Augusta Dance Theatre's Nutcracker in a Nutshell.SPECIAL

Kristina and Adrienne also have a deeper, more personal bond, sharing the lead role of the Sugar Plum Fairy in the Augusta Dance Theatre's Nutcracker in a Nutshell this weekend at Augusta State University's Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre.

The production is a condensed staging of Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker. Showtimes are 8 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday.

The dancers, who also share the role of the ballet's Arabian maiden, said they learn from each other while rehearsing.

``It's not a competitive thing,'' said Adrienne, a student at North Augusta High School. ``The more I watch her I say, `Hmmm, that might work for me.'''

But the dancers are encouraged to interpret the part of the Sugar Plum Fairy in their own way. ``We're not hand-stamped here,'' said Kathleen Jones, associate director of the troupe. ``Their personalities come through.''

Ron Jones, the show's director, said he has tailored the production to Kristina and Adrienne's strengths.

``The skill is always important,'' said Mr. Jones. ``But they need to color it with their own uniqueness. Especially with young people, it's important to develop and encourage artistry.''

Kristina, whom Mr. Jones described as a smaller body type with quicker movements, danced in last year's Nutcracker in a Nutshell and is especially excited about performing the second act this time.

``To me, the second act was always the most fun to watch,'' said Kristina, a student at Alleluia Community School.

Adrienne, whom Mr. Jones describes as the more powerful and athletic, is looking forward to dancing an angelic role for a change.

``Normally, I have been doing evil parts,'' said Adrienne, who portrayed the evil fairy in the dance company's production of Sleeping Beauty and the White Witch in Roar of Love.

Kent Kimes covers arts and entertainment for The Augusta Chronicle. He can be reached at (706) 823-3626 or feature@augustachronicle.com.

On stage

What: Nutcracker in a Nutshell

When: 8 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday

Where: Augusta State University's Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre, 2500 Walton Way

How much: $10 for adults, $7.50 for students and seniors

Phone: 860-1852