5 Seekonk Children To Perform In 'Nutcracker'

SEEKONK, MA — Five children from Seekonk are participating in the upcoming "Nutcracker" performance in Providence this holiday season. The young dancers will perform with Rhode Island's premiere classical ballet company, Festival Ballet Providence, taking place Dec. 13 through Dec. 15 at the Providence Performing Arts Center.

The five Seekonk students — Anne Ethier, Megan Horton, Dominic Jarvis, Lila Shaghalian and Anika Toprac — are part of a cast of more than 100 children from 33 communities in Rhode Island. They became part of the cast after an open audition in September.

Ranging in ages from 7 to 18 years old, the children chosen to perform in the "Nutcracker" represent a wide variety of young dancers, from those in their first performance experience to advanced students anticipating a career in professional ballet.

"They may be young but make no mistake — they are all business when it comes to dance," officials at Festival Ballet Providence stated.

The young performers are putting in countless hours every week at their local dance studios, and each child aspires to make dance a part of their lives when they grow up. The strenuous technique and beautiful artistry reached through dance education instill confidence and character in these children, according to Festival Ballet Providence.

Tickets and more information are available through the Providence Performing Arts Center website.