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By Cheryl  Bentley | The Suncoast News

Published: November 26, 2008

Updated: 11/28/2008 07:11 am

CLEARWATER - Jessica Davies wants to inspire children to dance. To that end, she has created a child-friendly production of the beloved holiday ballet "The Nutcracker" that emphasizes story as well as dance.

The production by Davies' Royal Academy of Fine Arts & Dance, in Oldsmar, will be presented Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 13 and Dec. 14, in Clearwater and will feature students from both Pasco and Pinellas counties and other areas in the Tampa Bay area.

"Parents can bring their children to it and know they won't be bored," Davies noted. "Preschoolers all the way to adults can enjoy it. It's not just dancing. We really do tell the story."

"The Nutcracker" is based on a story by E.T.A. Hoffman of Clara, a German girl, who dreams of a Nutcracker prince. In her dream, the two visit the Land of Snow and the Land of Sweets and meet assorted characters such as the Mouse King and Sugar Plum Fairy. Music was composed by Tchaikovsky.

The Royal Academy production cast of 100 is made up of about 80 children ranging from a 2-year-old to teenagers. Senior members and apprentices of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts & Dance are in the ballet. Other young dancers were chosen from auditions held in the area.

"It's by young people for young people," Davies said. "Children like to watch other kids."

In different productions, the role of Clara will be played by Samantha Payton, 10, of Palm Harbor, and Megan Hayward, 12, of Trinity.

"Being Clara has been one of my top goals," Megan said. "I feel like I must be dreaming."

Samantha and Megan and other young principals will sign autographs for children after each performance, another way to include children in the performance and inspire them to dance, Davies said.

The adults in the production play roles such as parents and grandparents.

Additionally, Michael Keating, principal dancer with Sarasota Ballet of Florida, will play the role of Sugar Plum Cavalier.

Davies has choreographed and staged the ballet using techniques she learned at the Royal Academy of Dance, in London. She has also incorporated "Riverdance" style Irish steps, hip hop, African and modern dance into the performance to make it more relevant to a modern audience.

Volunteers have made the costumes to keep down cost and allow more children to participate.

In most productions, cast members are expected to buy their own costumes, said Davies. That can be expensive.

A Sugar Plum Fairy costume can run up to $500, she said.

This will mark Davies' 14th "Nutcracker" production. Two of her previous "Nutcrackers" aired on the Public Broadcasting Service in 1994 and 1995.

With the popularity of television programs such as "Dancing with the Stars," Davies said she has noticed an increasing interest in dance by young people, thereby giving the world of dance new life."

"The Nutcracker" can be the thread that unites generations, she noted. "My hope is kids who see this will as adults take their own kids to see it," she added.

The Lowdown

The Royal Academy of Fine Arts & Dance's production of "The Nutcracker" will be performed 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at James B. White Performing Arts Center, 2750 Haines Bayshore Road, Clearwater. Tickets start at $15. Call 813-854-3404 for tickets.

Cheryl Bentley can be reached at 727-815-1069 cbentley@suncoastnews.com.

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