For senior Norah Jordan, the iconic yearly December tradition of the Nutcracker is nothing new. Norah has played several roles within the show, but this year she has been cast as Clara in the 2023 Texarkana Community Ballet Nutcracker.
“It’s a lot of pressure, but​ the best thing is I get to always dance with the little kids. I remember when I was little I always looked up to Clara and I was like, oh my gosh, I want to be her one day,” Norah said.

The dancers are tasked with several hours of practice a week, as well as recalling multiple choreographed routines.

“The part I have is almost a ten minute dance. So I’m on and off running through different things like curtains, and making sure I’m ready for the next part that’s coming,” senior Jace Ramos said.

Sophomore Taylor Harding, cast as Mother Ginger, splits her practice times between a group dance and her solo.
“My practices are normally an hour long, and my role is Mother Ginger so I have to practice with 11 little girls. It’s 30 minutes with them and 30 minutes for my solo,” Taylor said.

Over 220 young dancers from various dance studios are busy in final rehearsals for this year’s local production of the Nutcracker. Dancers are placed in four groups based on dance experience and age.

Performances begin starting with Friday, Dec. 1st at 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2nd at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 3rd at 2 p.m. at the Perot Theatre downtown. Tickets are available through online purchase on the Perot Theater website.