By Andrew Edwards
Staff Writer
Founded back in 1980, CJ’s Dance Studio in Prattville offers classes for all ages in classical ballet, jazz, tap and gymnastics. Through the hard work and dedication of founder Cynthia Martin, young girls’ dreams of having a profession in the arts can come true.
This holiday season, CJ’s Dance will be presenting the Nutcracker, which will be performed by its’ very own Prattville Ballet. The event will be at Jeff State Performing Arts Theatre at 7:00 p.m. on December 14th, with a $15 admission fee. The cast has also performed at Pine Level Elementary, Daniel Pratt Elementary, the Prattville Tree Lighting, and will soon perform at Disney World on Jan. 4.
“The Nutcracker Ballet “Kingdom of the Sweets” begins with a magical storybook presentation which will leave you with cherished memories for years to come”, says Martin. “The “Kingdom of the Sweets” performance also features Prattville Ballet dancers in Candyland, where international good will ambassadors from China, Spain, Russia, Arabia, Flowers and the Sugar Plum Fairy come together to dance and celebrate the heroin’s victory of good over evil.”
Martin says that the story is very understandable for children, which is one of the key reasons that they wanted to perform it in the first place.
But with a performance that has so many moving parts, a large cast was needed. In all, over 100 individuals helped to make this dream production a reality.
“Everyone who is involved with this brings something different to the table,” says Martin. “We’re all here to spread the love and bring Christmas joy to those around us. We want to touch as many lives as possible.”
Christmas Carols were and will be sung during the intermission of each performance as well, further expanding upon the cheerful atmosphere that the dance studio is trying to create.
With the help of CJ’s Dance Studio and other members of the community, the Nutcracker Ballet will be a performance that will never be forgotten!
For more information about everything CJ’s Dance, visit cjsdancefactory.com
