Ossining Dancers To Take Stage For 'The Nutcracker'

OSSINING, N.Y. – Ossining 16-year-old Jessica Chambers' ballet dreams come true Friday when she dances one of her favorite parts in the Westchester Ballet Company’s production of “The Nutcracker.” It's something she's wanted to do since she was in the third grade.

The Westchester Ballet Company's "Nutcracker" features dozens of Ossining and Briarcliff Manor dancers.
Photo Credit: *Photo Courtesy The Westchester Ballet Company*

by Nathan Bruttell

12/14/2012 2:00 a.m.

Not only that, Chambers, a student at the Logrea Dance Academy in Ossining, is performing alongside 25 other Logrea students from Ossining and 15 more from Briarcliff Manor. The production at the Westchester County Center in White Plains was choreographed by Logrea founders Beth and Jean Logrea. First performance is 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 14.

“I’ve always wanted one of the big parts, and I remember looking on as a solo mouse in third grade and just hoping that I could do it one day,” said Jessica, who plays a party parent and one of the four soloists in the snow scene. “It’s such a great show, and right here in Westchester. I love it, and all of the dancers here are so passionate about it, so we hope to share it with everyone.”

Chambers, who has played dozens of parts through more than seven years of performances, said her ninth year is special because it also includes her 10-year-old brother, Joseph.

“He’s been watching me do the 'Nutcracker' for almost his whole life, and I finally convinced him to join,” Jessica said. “He started taking ballet for the first time in the fall, and now he’s a part of the cast, and it’s really great.”

Briarcliff Manor’s Cara O’Neil, 12, has been part of the show for more than five years and is very excited for this year’s show.

“I love dancing, and doing this show is so much fun,” said the Briarcliff Middle School seventh-grader, who has been dancing since she was 3. “I think I’m going to keep doing it as long as I can. I’m a little bit nervous every year, but I’m also really excited to be able to go out and perform, and it’s always really exciting.”

Advance tickets for the production, which runs through Sunday, Dec. 16, are on sale at the County Center's website.

Performances are at 10 a.m. Friday, 12:30 and 4:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Advance tickets are $20 for adults, $14 for children and seniors. Day-of tickets are $25. For more information, go to the County Center's website or call 914-995-4050.

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