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What it’s like to have a child in ‘The Nutcracker’

This isn’t Karen Hardin’s first rodeo, er, Nutcracker.

Her son, Talton, 10, has been in the production for three years now, and daughter Aileigh, 14, is going on her second year. Both are dancers in our Academy.

The two will take the stage in the party scene when The Nutcracker kicks off its 16-show run at the Ohio Theatre on Dec. 11, and Ms. Hardin is also accompanying some of our Academy students to Detroit, where they’ll perform the holiday classic at the Detroit Opera House alongside company dancers Nov. 27 through Dec. 6.

New to the Nutcracker family? Here’s what you need to know, according to Ms. Hardin:

On time spent at rehearsals…

For Nutcracker, the rehearsals are probably about three to four hours a week, and that will increase as we get into tech week and move into the theater.

On travelling to Detroit…

It’s a great opportunity; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for them to perform with the company in a beautiful theater in the Detroit Opera House. It’s a great experience for the kids, and they’re building friendships they’ll have forever. They get to see, if they’re lucky enough to move on and do this as a career, to see what it’s like.

On the rewards of being a Nutcracker parent…

I think the confidence it builds and the exposure to things beyond their school and community. People come from all over the state to see the show. It’s a community tradition, and I think ballet is a great discipline, and it teaches hard work. I just think it’s a win for everybody.

On what Talton and Aileigh love…

They have friends here. Sometimes we spend more time here than we do at their regular school. And my son loves to perform. That’s his favorite thing to do. Any time he has an opportunity, he’s all in.

On the challenges…

It’s a family commitment. There’s time at rehearsal and travelling back and forth. And sometimes if your kids are in different parts, they have rehearsal at different times.

On advice for new Nutcracker parents…

Don’t panic. It’s kind of controlled chaos in a good way. There are lots of parents there, and they are more than willing to help if you’re struggling or if you have questions. It’s like a second family.