Every year, the Dance Experience Performing Arts Center puts on an amazing performance of “The Nutcracker” to help raise money for Friends of Kids with Cancer, and sophomore Samantha Irlmeier gets the privilege to be a part of it. 

Irlmeier has been dancing for around 13 years now and has been in “The Nutcracker” multiple times.

“It feels nice to be a part of it,” she said.

Auditions began in early August with rehearsals starting in September and lasting until the show in December.

“When you are first learning the choreography, it’s a bit challenging at first,” Irlmeier explained. “Just trying to remember the choreography every week. But eventually, it gets easier with muscle memory.” 

At rehearsals, Irlmeier learns different choreography, practices dances, and works hard to memorize her part. In fact, this year she got the part of mouse queen, a snowflake, and the angel of virtue.

Opening night is a blur of emotions and stress as everyone gets ready for the big performance.

“It’s really rewarding to see everything come together. For the older girls… it’s sad to see them go because you know it’s their last Nutcracker but it’s fun to see them do their final dance. And knowing they are gonna move on to better things.” 

Each year, the performance is always a big hit and they raise a lot of money for their cause. That’s one of the many reasons why Irlmeier enjoys getting to be a part of the show because she knows it’s all for a good cause and it’s a great experience overall.