Long Beach 11-Year-Old Takes To The Stage In Nutcracker Performance

LONG BEACH, NY. — For Long Beach native Bella LaManna, dance always came natural.

“I tried to sign her up for soccer and she was dancing in the goal,” Nicole LaManna said.

This weekend, the 11-year-old will take that natural performing flair to the stage as she performs in Tchaikovsky's “The Nutcracker” at Molloy University in Rockville Centre.

LaManna will be playing the ballet doll, given to the ballet’s lead character, Clara, by her uncle in the early moments of the performance. After gifts are exchanged and Clara’s cousin breaks her beloved nutcracker doll, the children are sent off to bed. At that point, Clara awakens in a magical holiday wonderland complete with a life-sized nutcracker, an army of fighting mice, tin soldiers and a magic, snow-covered forest. During this dreamy journey, the “Waltz of Flowers” takes place, as the last number in Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Suite.” That number will also feature LaManna in the cast. At the end of the ballet, Clara awakes to find herself back at home, holding the nutcracker in her arms, wondering if what she had just experienced was a dream or a reality.

When asked how she felt at the prospect of performing in one of the most iconic ballets on Earth, LaManna said, “I’m so excited, and I'm really confident, too.”

Bella said The Nutcracker is her favorite production she has had the chance to take part in, noting that she has been able to make friends, experience new performance elements including elaborate lighting design and work with a team of top-notch teachers. For Nicole, the chance to watch Bella on-stage is always one that leaves her beaming with pride.

“I’m always really proud of the hard work that she puts in, and her professionalism when she's on stage,” Nicole LaManna said.

While the 11-year-old Bella has already been dancing for nine years, she didn’t show any indication that she would stop. In face, the Long Beach native said her goal is to perform and teach dance into adulthood.

“When I grow up, I want to teach classes, and maybe be in more performances like this,” LaManna said.

Performances will take place Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights this week, with tickets available here. The performances will be staged at Molloy’s Madison Theatre, beginning at 7 p.m. Friday, 5 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday.