Mixing and matching.
Sequins and Velcro.
En pointe, not flat foot.
An angel is born.
Controlled chaos unfolded Saturday at the Academy of Colorado Ballet. Fledgling dancers were being fitted for their costumes in preparation for this year’s production of “The Nutcracker.”
The last two years of auditions have turned up more hopefuls than previous shows, said director Michelle Dolighan-Rodenbeck .
More than 90 children from two schools – dancers 8 to 10 years old – will play angels, partygoers and sugarplum attendees.
Some are veterans and others, like 8-year-old Rachael Lie, are first- time dancers.
“Am I floating, mom?” the smallest angel asked her mother, Jennie Lie, as she twirled around in her golden, bell-shaped dress.
Despite his frenetic costume- swapping, hemming and measuring, designer Russell Etmer said this year’s fitting was smoother than previous years.
“In years past, they wanted everything redone and changed overnight. It was a fuss,” Etmer said.
Second-year angel Anslely Mater, 9, warned the new dancers to get used to the stuffy, itchy costumes and red lipstick before show time.
“This is why we’re angels,” Anslely said. “No one else could do it.”
“The Nutcracker” will run from Nov. 24 to Dec. 24 and tickets are available at . Ticket prices range from $19 to $145, depending on the show date.
Cassie Hewlings: 303-954-1638 or chewlings@denverpost.com
