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mokenamessenger.com life & arts the Mokena Messenger | November 29, 2018 | 23 Local dancers featured in annual performance of ‘Beyond the Nutcracker’ Amanda Villiger Assistant Editor The sweet sound of Tchaikovsky’s “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” is a hallmark of the classic “Nutcracker” ballet that spans generations. Featuring songs from the original ballet, Frankfortbased Ballet 5:8’s “Beyond the Nutcracker” will offer audience members a modern, spiritual take on the story. As a professional ballet company and school of the arts, Ballet 5:8’s annual production incudes professional dance company members as well as trainees and students with original choreography by Artistic Director Julianna Rubio Slager. Students and company members travel from all over the country to study at the school, but many of their students are from the local area as well. Catherine Lobash, of Mokena, will perform in Ballet 5:8’s production of “Beyond the Nutcracker,” which is now in its fourth year. “It is fun to perform with such a great company and to share such a meaningful message with the community,” Lobash said. Sophia Snider, a junior at Lincoln-Way Central, has been studying ballet since she was 5 and began at Ballet 5:8 when it opened in 2012. “[Conservancy II] is for preprofessional students training to be professionals,” Snider said about her level of training. “It’s a very intense schedule: Monday through Friday from, like, 2 o’clock to around 6 o’clock. “We work on our artistry, technique — specifically ballet — and we train under the company members and the artistic director Miss Juliana [Slager].” Snider, who is a New Lenox resident, will be featured in the show’s “Snow” scene and has a solo part in Renee Ruchala (right), of Tinley Park, rehearses “English Roses,” a dance number from “Beyond the Nutcracker.” Ballet 5:8’s performances are scheduled for Dec. 15 and 16 at Lincoln-Way West High School in New Lenox. the “English Roses” scene where she plays a Rose Queen. As someone who has performed in the show before, Snider said the practices always get more intense as the opening day nears but that it offers a unique opportunity for improvement. “There’s just so much room to grow,” she said. “And you feel it, and you keep pushing yourself. I always look forward to performing ‘[Beyond the] Nutcracker.’” James Wainwright, a recent graduate of Lincoln- Way West, reflected on his recently-begun dancing career during a recent interview about the upcoming production. The 18-year-old is a trainee with the company but only began dancing at the age of 16. “It’s just amazing to be at this level and be a part of a company,” Wainwright said. “I am grateful for every day.” Wainwright, a New Lenox native, will be featured during the “English Roses” scene, and will be doing a ‘Beyond the Nutcracker’ When: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 15; and 3 p.m. Dec. 16 Where: Lincoln-Way West High School, Performing Arts Center, 21701 Gougar Road in New Lenox Cost: $10 for children 12 and younger; $18 for adults Tickets: visit www. ballet58.org or call (708) 329-8773 partner dance during the “Spanish Pas.” “I’ve always been around dance. It has always been a part of my life, but it always was just around,” said Wainwright, whose mother owned a dance school in New Lenox when he was young. “I didn’t make it an integral part of my life — it’s ironic — [until] my mother closed her studio.” As part of the company’s trainee program, Wainwright’s practice schedule consists of full, long days of training, often more than The Ballet 5:8 Studio Company poses after practicing the “English Roses” choreography on Nov. 20 at Ballet 5:8 in Frankfort. The dancers are preparing for an upcoming performance of “Beyond the Nutcracker,” which has become an annual show for the Frankfort-based professional dance company. Photos by Amanda Villiger/22nd Century Media Sophia Snider (right), of New Lenox, and Catherine Lobash (left), of Mokena, rehearse “English Roses” during a dance practice at Ballet 5:8 in Frankfort. five days a week. “It’s a very intense level but it’s all to make me a better dancer, and it’s what I love,” he said. “I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.” Employing traditional ballet training, “Beyond the Nutcracker” is a story that takes the main character, Emma, to different areas of the world and back in time to the first Christmas. The show will feature 150 cast members as well as original costumes, sets and choreography. “For me, even with my short career, it’s already become part of the season, like fresh fallen snow or hot chocolate, it just feels like when it comes time, I wouldn’t imagine winter and the holiday season and celebrating the birth of Christ with any other way,” Wainwright said. Performances are scheduled for 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15 and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16 at Lincoln- Way West High School in New Lenox. Cost is $18 for adults, and $10 for children 12 and younger. To purchase tickets, visit ballet58.org or call (708) 329-8773.