Nine students from her studio, The Dance Factory in Delavan, auditioned to perform in "The Nutcracker" with Chicago’s Joffrey Ballet.
And all nine got picked.
It put a damper on Lendman’s own annual Nutcracker performance. But she encouraged her students to take the opportunity to study with a professional company and dance with a live, professional orchestra.
Three of Lendman’s students turned down the offer from Joffrey.
Tina Lendman coaches dancers rehearsing a performance of the Nutcracker.
Photo By: Kyle Bursaw
Dance Factory students including Marisaa Janaky, front left, and Yanna Svensen, front right, rehearse a scene from the Nutcracker.
Photo By: Kyle Bursaw
Nicole Ross of Delavan, rehearses the Nutcracker at the Dance Factory in Delavan.
Photo By: Kyle Bursaw
Elizabeth McComb and Nicole Ross talk with Taylor Ransome just after getting into their costumes in preparation for a rehearsal of the first act of their performance of the Nutcracker at the Dance Studio in Delavan.
Photo By: Kyle Bursaw
Makena C. Ekman
Age: 10
School: Fifth grade at Walworth elementary
Nutcracker role: Soldier
Quote: “I really like ballet because it’s challenging, but it’s fun for me.”
Anastasia S. Demco
Age: 11
School: In sixth grade at home
Nutcracker role: Snow tree angel
Quote: “Lyrical dance is fun because you can do whatever you want. Ballet is hard and fun at the same time.”
Lorien M. VanDyke
Age: 10
School: Fifth grade at Westside Elementary School in Elkhorn
Nutcracker role: Snow tree angel
Brenna M. Barry
Age: 9
School: Fourth grade at Walworth Elementary School
Nutcracker role: Soldier
Paige L. Sammons
Age: 9
School: Fourth grade at Fontana Elementary School
Nutcracker role: Soldier. This is Paige’s second year performing in Joffrey Ballet’s Nutcracker.
Quote: “Jazz (dancing) fits my personality, but lyrical (dancing) lets me express my feelings.”
Zachary Jeppsen
Age: 9
School: Third grade at Lakeview Elementary, Whitewater
Nutcracker role: Party guest. This is Zach’s second year performing in Joffrey Ballet’s Nutcracker.
Quote: “I like all kinds of dancing, but I like lyrical best because I like acting.”
