PLAISTOW — Natalie Elizabeth Maranian, 13, of Plaistow, will grace the stage as Clara in the New England Dance Ensemble’s full-scale professional production of The Nutcracker.
This enchanting holiday classic, featuring the NH Philharmonic Orchestra and guest artists from New York City’s American Ballet Theatre, is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 30, and Sunday, Dec. 1, at 4 p.m. in the Seifert Performing Arts Center, Salem, N.H.
Natalie, an 8th grader at Timberlane Middle School, is proud to maintain high honors while pursuing her passion for dance. She has been training in classical ballet at Londonderry Dance Academy since 2022, in conjunction with her time at Nancy Chippendales in North Andover.
Her dedication has earned her a Gold Performance Award from the American Academy of Ballet for two consecutive years, along with a scholarship to the American Academy of Ballet Summer Intensive in New York.
This will not be Natalie’s first time in The Nutcracker. She has previously danced as a Harpist, Russian dancer, and Rat.
“I’ve always dreamed of being Clara since I was two,” she says. Natalie expressed her joy upon learning she had landed the role, stating, “I immediately cried happy tears. It felt amazing to know my hard work paid off.”
Natalie’s typical week is packed with dance, as she practices six days a week, in addition to cheerleading as the cheer captain. Balancing her rigorous schedule with schoolwork, she also finds time for church and additional dance classes in jazz, tap, contemporary, hip hop, and Russian ballet.
“Something that makes me proud outside of dance is being named Student of the Month while managing all my extracurricular activities,” she noted.
What excites Natalie most about performing as Clara?
“I’m looking forward to having fun and being in the moment, along with meeting and dancing with the guest artists,” she said. Her favorite scene in the ballet is when Clara is crowned and the magic unfolds as the tree grows, guided by Drosselmeyer.
Natalie’s love for dance is profound. “I love the feeling of letting everything go while performing and leaving it all out on the stage,” she said.
This year’s Nutcracker will not only feature Natalie as Clara but also guest performances from American Ballet Theatre in New York City. ABT soloist, SunMi Park, will dazzle audiences as the Sugar Plum Fairy, while ABT company member, Joseph Markey, will take the stage as the Cavalier.
The dancers will be accompanied by The New Hampshire Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Mark Latham.
Performances are scheduled for 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, and Sunday, Dec. 1, at the Seifert Performing Arts Center. Tickets are available online at www.nede.org or by calling 1-800-595-4TIX.