Columbia High School Student Featured In NJDTE Nutcracker

COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT IN THE NUTCRACKER

WITH NEW JERSEY DANCE THEATRE ENSEMBLE

Celebrating 55th Anniversary Season

“A mesmerizing production of THE NUTCRACKER” - Union News Daily

SUMMIT, NJ – December 22, 2024, Ariel Harrington-Wright, 17, of Maplewood, New Jersey, will play the star roles of “Sugarplum Fairy,” and “Columbine Doll” in this year’s full-length production of New Jersey Dance Theatre Ensemble’s (NJDTE) holiday classic: THE NUTCRACKER. Ariel, the daughter of Heather Harrington and Daniel Wright currently attends Columbia High School.

NJDTE celebrates its 55th Season of the full-length production of THE NUTCRACKER. Set to the classical music of Peter Tchaikovsky and choreographed by NJDTE Artistic Director, Nancy Turano, the ballet features 64 talented pre-professional dancers from New Jersey alongside international guest artists from Ballet Hispanico, Complexions former NJ Ballet Stars and Alumni of NJDTE. QUOTE “I’m so excited to dance the role of Sugar Plum Fairy. I can’t believe that 8 years have passed since I danced my first role as a little bon bon.” says Ariel.

Ariel is a truly talented, technical and elegant dancer. She is one of few NJDTE dancers in my 30 years as Artistic Director that is capable of such a technically demanding role as Sugar Plum Fairy, normally performed by guest artists. It has been an honor to watch her grow in our organization and to be acknowledged with a full scholarship to train with L’ École Supérieure de ballet du Québec in Canada this past summer. Ariel will also be featured in “Waltz of the Flowers” and “Snowflakes” in addition to her soloist roles,” says Artistic Director Nancy Turano

All performances take place at The Memorial Auditorium at Montclair State University on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at 1:00pm and 5:00pm. Tickets are $49-$69 and are available online at https://buy.tututix.com/njdte. To request an interview with NJDTE Artistic Director, Nancy Turano, or one of our guest artists, please contact events@njdte.org.

Photography Credits: Krystyna Fylypenko

WHO: New Jersey Dance Theatre Ensemble

WHAT: THE NUTCRACKER

WHERE: 1 Normal Avenue, Memorial Auditorium at Montclair State University

WHEN: Sunday, December 22, 2024 | 1:00pm & 5:00pm

TICKETS: On Sale Now at https://buy.tututix.com/njdte from $49-$69

CONTACT: events@njdte.org

To request an interview with NJDTE Artistic Director, Nancy Turano, or one of our guest artists, please contact events@njdte.org

About NJDTE

New Jersey Dance Theatre Ensemble celebrates 55 years of providing artistic excellence in pre-professional dance education and performances, with forward-thinking programming that empowers dancers by engaging acclaimed artists and international choreographers. Led by award-winning Artistic Director, Nancy Turano, since 1994, NJDTE mentors and inspires dancers toward higher education and supports its alumni as professionals in the field.

GETTING THERE

From Points North Take Garden State Parkway to Route 46 West (exit 154). Exit onto Valley Road (South) toward Montclair.

From Points South Take Garden State Parkway to Route 3 West (exit 153B). Exit onto Valley Road (South) toward Montclair.

For GPS: Enter 1 Normal Avenue, Montclair, NJ, or Red Hawk Parking Deck.

PARKING

On-site parking is available at Red Hawk Parking Deck

Media Contact: Olivia Lima

For Immediate Release

events@njdte.org

908.273.5500