Brava

December 2011

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liveIn the Moment with Marguerite Luksik A high-fl ying ballerina primes for the spotlight Notes from a piano cut through the chat- ter. Hearing the cue, a sea of pointe shoes shuffl e forward, form a line and set sail to- gether across the room, fl uttering midair like butterfl y wings before fl oating gently back to the fl oor. For ballerinas at Madison Ballet, it's that time of year again—when the Sugar Plum Fairy and crew dance into town, much to the delight of local audiences. But before the show hits the stage, rehearsals for the yearly production of "Th e Nutcracker" fi ll the calendar. For 25-year-old Madison Ballet company Get in the Spirit Now in its 13th season under the artistic direction of W. Earle Smith, "The Nutcracker" will once again feature updated choreography alongside all the usual magic that makes it a classic. Catch one of six performances at Overture Center for the Arts, Dec. 17-26. Visit overturecenter. com for tickets. dancer and faculty member Marguerite Luksik, the long hours of practice present the chance to perfect her role as the show's leading character, Clara. "Dancing in 'Th e Nutcracker' is the only time of the year when I'm performing, so it's really exciting," she says with a smile. "I'm just always happier when I'm dancing." A lavish production that will feature 207 dancers— almost all who live and train near Madison—the experi- ence of performing in the seasonal showcase has become particularly signifi cant for those involved. Th ough Madison Ballet is currently celebrating its 30th sea- son, recent fi nancial strain—felt by many arts organizations in town—has caused the company to funnel resources toward this one yearly event. And quite an event it remains. A feat of high-caliber dancing and larg- er-than-life stage creations set to Tchai- kovsky's classic score, the magical allure of "Th e Nutcracker" has kept it a holiday tradition not just for the company and the Madison audience, but for Luksik, who is eagerly anticipating her upcoming leap into the spotlight. "Once my feet hit the stage, it feels so Luksik onstage with fellow dancer, Bryan Cunningham. good to fi nally be in front of people show- ing them what all that hard work is for," she says. "I look forward to showing [the audience] something [amazing]." December 2011 bravamagazine.com 13 Photo by Andrew Weeks Photography

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