UM’s En Pointe Ballet Club brought a classic holiday tradition to campus for the first annual performance of “The Nutcracker” at the Maurice Gusman Concert Hall.
The student-run club encapsulated the ballet’s sense of togetherness, holiday cheer and the timeless magic that makes “The Nutcracker” so beloved.
What made the performance even more heartfelt was the true passion that radiated from each performer. The club began last spring and has grown significantly over the past semester.
Members are welcome at any level of ballet experience, including those learning ballet for the first time. The time, energy and dedication poured into the production reflected the love of dance that inspired the club’s creation.
The founders were eager to share their appreciation for ballet with the UM community. Ava Byrne, a co-founder of En Pointe, described why the performance carried such impact.
“I think ballet is important to share with the UM community because it promotes creativity and expression and makes the arts accessible to everyone on campus,” Byrne said. “En Pointe has fostered a community who loves ballet by bringing people together who missed doing what they love. Everyone is just happy to be there, to dance again and to be around like-minded people.”
As a viewer who cherishes “The Nutcracker,” this performance felt especially meaningful. The nostalgia of the familiar music and story, combined with the excitement of watching talented students bring the ballet to life, created an experience that was both heartwarming and inspiring.
Seeing dancers who share a love for ballet create something so impactful was the perfect way to kick off the holiday season. The sense of community between the audience and performers highlighted the power of the arts to bring people together.
With the success of this holiday performance, UM’s En Pointe Ballet Club has not only brought the magic of “The Nutcracker” to campus but also created a space where students of all experience levels can reconnect with their love of dance.
The passion, dedication and joy evident on stage promise even more enchanting performances in the seasons to come.