New Brunswick Teen Ballerina Stars As Clara In 'The Nutcracker'

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ — Look out, world: New Brunswick teenager Jordan Cunningham will perform the title role of Clara in the iconic Christmastime classic "The Nutcracker."

"The Nutcracker" ballet, with Tchaikovsky's live score, runs for five shows at State Theatre in New Brunswick, at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 17 and 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. December 18.

Cunningham, 18, will perform as Clara in the 7 p.m. show December 17. She will dance alongside professional ballerinas from American Repertory Ballet.

“Dancing as Clara is one of the most memorable things I’ve ever done and performing in my home city makes it even more incredible,” said the teen girl. “My heart is just full of gratitude.”

Cunningham is currently a senior at New Brunswick Health Sciences Technology High School. She said she always loved dance and ballet. But it wasn't until she was in the third grade in New Brunswick public schools that she was given a Dance Power scholarship to attend American Repertory Ballet’s official school, Princeton Ballet School.

Cunningham said that introduction to such a prestigious world of dance changed her life.

“I’m incredibly proud of Jordan and everything she’s accomplished,” said Jeremiah Clifford, her principal at New Brunswick Health Sciences Technology High School. “And what makes this even more special is that I was also Jordan’s principal when she was a kindergarten student at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School. So, it’s particularly enjoyable seeing her continued success.”

Cunningham is currently undecided about whether she will continue ballet post-high school plans.

See Cunningham next weekend: "The Nutcracker" at State Theatre with American Repertory Ballet. Featuring a live orchestra and Princeton Girlchoir.

Fri, December 16 at 7:30pm
Sat, December 17 at 2pm & 7pm
Sun, December 18 at 1pm & 5pm

American Repertory Ballet brings the beloved classic Nutcracker to the stage with Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score played by the American Repertory Ballet Orchestra led by Princeton Symphony Orchestra’s Georg and Joyce Albers-Schonberg, Assistant Conductor Kenneth Bean, and accompanied by the Princeton Girlchoir. Buy tickets here: https://www.stnj.org/