36 Artscene · FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2009 Taking centre stage in The Nutcracker Local dancers leads in National Ballet's production I more academics and a two-hour dance class after lunch. They also have evening dance OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF classes five days a week, as well as on t is going to be an extra special holiday Saturdays. While it sounds exhausting, both season for Emilie Fisher and Sebastian dancers say there is nowhere else they Lecomte. The two Oakville dancers are starring in would rather be. "It feels great (to be at the school) the lead child roles of Marie and Misha in because it means I'm not the only one who the popular holiday production of the National Ballet of Canada's The Nutcracker. loves to dance and there's someone else It is the first year either of the talented there that can help you," said Lecomte. Fisher said there is a camaraderie among youths have starred in a leading role in the the students in her class, absent of competproduction, so it is easy to understand their itiveness. enthusiasm. "We all get along," said "Misha and the Marie "I went to see Sleeping Lecomte, who has been are the lead roles and Beauty and I said, `I'm going dancing since age eight. are in basically every to be on that stage, holy "And I like how we all scene, so I will get to see cow!'" have the same dream and everything," said people won't judge you for Lecomte. "I'm very Emilie Fisher what you want to do." excited." Oakville dancer In fact, these two can't Fisher said she feels get enough of dancing. the same way. Even when they are in "I can't wait to dance with the company math or science class, their minds wander dancers, because they have been dancing for a longer time and it is going to be excit- to the studio. "I'm very excited because I always wanting being on stage with them," she said. ed to go to this school," said Fisher, who put It has been a big year for Fisher and Lecomte, who are both 11. They both start- on her first pair of ballet shoes at the tender ed their first year of the full-time profes- age of three. Lecomte and Fisher have had PHOTOS BY NIKKI WESLEY / OAKVILLE BEAVER sional program at Canada's National Ballet Nutcracker rehearsals in place of dance School. classes on weeknights and on Saturdays ENCHANTED: Emilie Fisher, 11, will be playing Marie (traditionally called Clara) and Sebastian The school has a gruelling schedule. Lecomte, 11, will be playing twin Misha (traditionally Fritz) in the National Ballet of Canada's producThe young dancers spend their morn- since the start of October. tion of The Nutcracker this holiday season. See Dancers page 37 ings taking academic courses, followed by By Tina Depko SOME SHOWS SOLD OUT! CALL TODAY FOR YOUR TICKETS! Season Sponsor: RON & DONNA PATTERSON